Caring, courageous, and consistent, Symeon Roussos, the Accountable Manager of GainJet, the fastest growing jet company shares with Athens Riviera Journal his aspiring navigation plan.
Based in Athens, Greece with an office in London, UK, and Dubai, UAE, GainJet Aviation is a leading worldwide private jet charter operator and management company. Its global network includes strategic partners all over the world while its air ambulance operation is actively ready to meet any medical travel needs anytime. Its versatile fleet offers a wide range of private jets, positioned throughout Europe and the Middle East to provide its clients with the best VIP travel solution. They offer a customized travel experience and their leading team of professionals is available 24/7 to ensure that these requirements are met with the highest standards of passenger care.
GainJet has been serving VIP travelers and collaborating with aircraft owners for over 16 years. What is the noticeable difference and what changes have you detected in the market since 2006 when you started?
Well, we have seen a lot actually. A global financial crisis, global giants being demolished, the EU financial crisis and finally the Covid pandemic which greatly impacted the world economics. However, in dealing with such crises, we have changed our outlook on the way we work, being in a position to both execute proactive action and respond more effectively to any unexpected challenges which may arise.
With a fleet of long and ultra-long range executive jets traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East, what are your upcoming plans in terms of tailor-made services?
Our company is now mainly focused on long-haul and transoceanic flights as we believe that this is the most suitable operation for the top business jets we operate. Our company is also focused on providing outstanding inflight service by emphasizing providing top-notch hospitality and passenger satisfaction.
In the context of travel safety, you have proceeded with the implementation of the innovative energy of air ambulance. Do you consider medical tourism to be a prospective target market?
We currently operate three fully configured ambulance airplanes, on short and long-haul missions all over the world. These missions are organized by professionals in this field and we guarantee the safe and timely arrival of the patient at the desired destination. Medical Tourism is a relatively new chapter in this business, offering lots of flight opportunities. Of course, advertising aimed at specific target groups is required to spread awareness of this service.
Privacy, flexibility, reliability and above all flight safety are the key characteristics of corporate aviation and we are very proud of the trust shown in us by our loyal customers.
As the Accountable Manager of GainJet and an experienced Engineer, where does your inner compass lead you in terms of private aviation?
Private Aviation is the future of Aviation. The industry no longer holds the glamour of air travel of past decades. We see an increasing trend of people/families leasing/buying a jet for their needs to travel for business directly, reaching a destination in a hassle-free and less tiring way thus still being able to continue with scheduled arrangements. In a safe and luxurious means of transport, nonetheless.
Conducting your business strategy for the following years, is the Athenian Riviera a significant parameter and what role is it going to play?
We believe the Athenian Riviera, stretching from Piraeus Port all the way to Cape Sounion will be one of the most sought out places in the world. This will attract further tourism and investors and in turn there will be an increase in the demand for private travel and Business jets to Athens Airport. There has been a more than 55% increase in Business jet landings in Athens and we forecast this number will further increase in the following years.
According to your point of view, what is the unique element that makes the Athenian Riviera a vital point of travel reference?
The Athenian Riviera offers the combination of a modern city built at the foot of a literally untouched mountain and sandy beaches at very close proximity. A traveler doesn’t necessarily need to escape to an island to find turquoise waters, white sand, a coastal road with the most amazing view in hues of blue; This very picturesque landscape cannot be easily found anywhere in the world, except maybe in San Diego.
Which is the place that you would recommend to someone visiting southern Athens for the first time?
I would definitely recommend an organized sandy beach, a taverna with local seafood delicacies and finally a sunset at the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion with an endless view of the Aegean Sea. If I could, I would visit all the organized beaches and the Poseidon temple.
