Article prepared by Rhapsody Magazine

“The real private aviation industry isn’t about luxury, it’s about time, discretion, and real power” –  Cristian Octavian Frasin

In a world where private jets are associated with glamour, champagne, and an opulent lifestyle, few truly understand the mechanisms behind this industry. We spoke with Cristian Octavian Frasin, Founder & CEO of Private Jets Europe, private aviation expert and luxury industry consultant, to uncover what lies beyond the clichés. The result? An interview that shifts perspectives.

“People think luxury in private aviation means opulence. In reality, true luxury is invisible.”

Q: Cristian, if you had to reveal one truth the general public doesn’t know about private jets, what would it be?

Cristian Frasin: The biggest myth is that luxury in private aviation means expensive materials and extravagant catering. The truth is that real luxury is invisible: discretion, predictability, and total control over time. A CEO doesn’t pay for comfort, he pays for the ability to attend three meetings in three different countries in the same day, without appearing anywhere in the public eye. The most expensive costs are the ones the client never sees.

Q: What is the most misunderstood cost when it comes to operating a private jet?

Cristian Frasin: People look at fuel and pilots, but they ignore the invisible costs: scheduled maintenance, rare parts, avionics upgrades, special insurance, and air navigation fees. For example, a single component just a few centimeters long can cost as much as a premium SUV. And a major overhaul can exceed one million dollars without the passenger ever knowing it happened. There are airports in Europe where you don’t get in unless you’re the ‘right kind of person.

Q: Are there things happening behind the scenes that the public never sees?

Cristian Frasin: Absolutely. There are private airports and VIP terminals where access isn’t just about money, it’s about reputation and relationships. These are places where you don’t get in unless you’re part of the right circle. Private aviation is, in many ways, a highly selective social ecosystem. Owning a jet isn’t enough, you also need the “invisible key.” Because in private aviation there are situations where money simply isn’t enough: landing slots at saturated airports, access to ultra-exclusive VIP terminals, last-minute reservations in locations that are “fully booked,” and so on. The biggest deals in the world aren’t signed in boardrooms – they’re signed at 40,000 feet.

Q: How much does private aviation influence the business world?

Cristian Frasin: Tremendously. A private jet is a negotiation space. It’s the only place where a billionaire can speak freely, no phones, no press, no interference. I’ve seen deals worth hundreds of millions discussed during two-hour flights. The jet becomes a mobile boardroom, but with a level of security no building can offer. In private aviation, the most valuable asset isn’t the aircraft, it’s the data.

Q: That’s interesting. What do you mean by that?

Cristian Frasin: Operators know exactly who flies, where, when, and with whom. This information is extremely sensitive. That’s why serious companies invest heavily in cybersecurity. A hack in a private aviation company would be more valuable than a hack in a bank. That’s why I say: real luxury is invisible, and protected with almost military rigor. The future isn’t about bigger jets, it’s about smarter jets.

Q: How do you see the industry evolving over the next 10 years?

Cristian Frasin: We’ll see a shift from “bigger and faster” to “smarter and greener.” Jets with extended range, lower fuel consumption, predictive maintenance systems, and fully digital cabins. And the ultra-long-range segment will continue to grow, because the world is increasingly global, and truly influential people don’t have time for layovers. A private jet isn’t a luxury. It’s a tool of power.

Q: If you had to summarize the essence of private aviation in one sentence, what would it be?

Cristian Frasin: A private jet isn’t a luxury. It’s a tool of power, efficiency, and control. Anyone who understands this also understands why this industry will continue to grow, regardless of economic context.