Flight Department Formation and Management

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The formation and management of a corporate flight department from the ground up is not a daunting, complex process if it is created through a defined business plan that addresses the right strategy (mission and vision statement), the right team (pilots, scheduling, etc.) the right business partners (3rd party management company, maintenance, support services, etc.), and the right costs (aircraft value analysis).  Although there are several elements to the business plan, the one core tenant is to design the flight department as a compliant organization with safety as the main objective.

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When forming a flight department, there are two typical routes for the management and operation of the aircraft – a standalone in-house corporate department or the hiring of a 3rd party aircraft management company to manage all aspects of aircraft operations.  This decision will typically be made by the C-level executives during the business intelligence phase of the business plan.

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GTAS consultants have years of experience assisting corporations in creating flight departments, identifying optimal aircraft and advising on the most effective method of managing aircraft.

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Fleet Planning

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Every Aviation Manager has an obligation to their company to manage the flight department in a compliant manner by developing, maintaining and utilizing a concise business plan that is aligned with the corporate strategy.  The business plan should include a section on a comprehensive “living” fleet planning process that addresses how to plan, budget and forecast.  This should also include business case scenarios and value analysis analytics for the selection, acquisition and operation of various aircraft based on anticipated company growth projections.

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The entire process boils down to aircraft selections that are based on true, pure, trustworthy data converted to business intelligence which validates the recommendations you deliver to your C-level executives to help them make aviation decisions.

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GTAS experts have been at the forefront of corporate aircraft fleet-planning for over 30 years.  GTAS recommendations are based on compliance, risk management and governance that is backed up by predictive analytics, value analysis charting and other business management tools.

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Strengthen Management, Operational and Financial Controls

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A valued best practice within a corporate flight department is to periodically perform a management, operational and financial audit to ensure it is operating in a compliant, effective, efficient manner.  GTAS assessments are focused on organizational, financial and operational structure, compliance and governance, and embedded technology.  Additionally, each evaluation addresses supplier performance as well as the identification of gaps between current management practices and industry practices that exceed best-in-class.

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When combined, GTAS is able to effectively assess the Current State Design environment of a corporate aviation department and provide recommendations for improvement.  We can also help develop and implement a comprehensive Future State Design environment.  The ultimate goal is to provide a roadmap for an effective and well-structured organization whose management, financial and operational processes contribute to shareholder value.

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