Javier Ordovás has been flying with Gestair for 19 years, accumulating over 8,000 flight hours. From Madrid, he regularly flies to destinations like Manila, Singapore, Kenya, and Darwin, always tailored to the needs of his clients.
“No request is too complex for Gestair,” he assures us. “Total availability, immediacy, and privacy are the pillars of our company’s philosophy.”
You’re a pilot for the most prestigious private jet company in the country. How did you get here? What has your professional journey been like?
My aviation career began in 1989 when I went to Dallas to earn my pilot certificates because it was common at the time to train in the U.S. I returned to Spain in 1990 and, after gaining experience elsewhere, I joined Gestair in 1999.
Aviation runs in my family. My father, uncles, and brother have all worked in commercial airlines, so I’ve always been close to the industry, though I’ve personally preferred the world of business aviation.
I started flying a turbo propeller aircraft, a small 10-seater with about four hours of autonomy. Later, I transitioned to a Premier 1, a faster plane with six seats. From there, I moved to a Gulfstream G200, a mid-range jet with capacity for 8–10 passengers. Today, I fly a Falcon 2000LX, my current aircraft, which has transoceanic range.
What does it mean for a client to fly with you? What are the main advantages of this type of travel?
For passengers, it’s all about advantages. From the moment they arrive, many can board directly by car at the gate in select airports, skipping long lines and crowded terminals. The boarding process is fast, smooth, and stress-free.
Privacy is a key factor. Clients pass through business aviation terminals, which are smaller, quieter, and more exclusive than commercial ones. Onboard, they enjoy total comfort and discretion: no strangers next to them, personalized catering, and complete flexibility. The aircraft is ready to depart at the client’s convenience.
And if the client needs to delay the flight, we can simply call to request a new time slot, whether it’s 5, 10, 20 minutes, or more. That level of flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of flying private.
What is the boarding process like for a client from the moment they arrive at the airport? Is baggage handled differently?
Security procedures are the same as on commercial flights in terms of regulations, but the experience is completely different. The boarding process is far more streamlined and personal. Document and baggage checks are typically done just minutes before boarding and often with direct assistance, making the entire experience much faster and more discreet.
As for luggage, it’s handled in much the same way as in commercial aviation — but through smaller, private terminals where security controls are smoother, more comfortable, and tailored to each passenger. The reduced waiting times and exclusivity make a noticeable difference.
Immediacy, punctuality, flexibility, attention to detail… What would you say are the cornerstones of Gestair’s philosophy?
Availability is undoubtedly one of the key pillars. One of the great advantages of executive aviation is our ability to respond with speed. At Gestair, we can have an aircraft prepared and ready to fly within minutes of a client's request — whether it's a planned trip or a last-minute urgency. That level of readiness defines our way of working.
Entire families often travel privately. Would you say a private flight is, in many cases, a better option?
Without a doubt. Let’s take the example of a family of ten that enjoys playing golf and wants to fly to Ireland or Scotland to play at the famous Prestwick courses. From Madrid, that flight would take around 2 hours and 20 minutes, or about five hours round-trip.
If you break down the cost of a private jet by the hour and compare it to purchasing ten business class tickets, the private flight becomes an extremely competitive and worthwhile option, especially when you add the advantages of flexibility, time savings, comfort, and privacy. I wouldn’t hesitate.
If, as a customer, you fly to Kenya for a week, does it make sense for the plane to wait for me during that time to return?
Totally. In destinations like this, the safety and flexibility of having a plane at your disposal is an advantage, plus it allows you to move how and where you want.
Do your pilots need different training from that required to fly commercial aircraft?
The pilot training is the same, no matter what aircraft you fly, as we all have a commercial pilot's license. Once you start working for a company, the company trains you to fly a specific aircraft. If you change aircraft, you take a specific course of several weeks in the USA or London, you complete some takeoffs and landings as practical training, and from there, you start flying. The differences are in the models, but the medical and licensing controls are exactly the same.
Can your private jets fly to any destination? What is the autonomy of this type of aircraft?
Yes. We have short (up to 4 hours), medium (up to 8 and a half hours), and long-range aircraft (up to 15-16 hours). Depending on the customer's needs, one aircraft or another is requested. The option of making a stopover is a common way of making the trip cheaper.
We could say that you can fly from one destination to almost any other destination. There are indeed places where it is necessary to apply for flight permits with more time, as well as visas, but these steps are perfectly doable from Gestair Flight Support, who prepare any itinerary without problem.
One of the best examples of this case is round-the-world trips. Our team has carried out some of them for more than 30 days, with all the necessary permits, applications, and visas, so that the client doesn't experience any inconveniences.
The security and flexibility that comes with having a private jet at your disposal is an advantage, as well as allowing you to move how and where you want to move.
When flying between countries, do you always have to land at an airport with customs?
In most cases, yes. Each country has its own entry requirements, but generally, you must clear customs upon arrival, especially when traveling between continents or to destinations with strict regulations, such as the United States.
There are also interesting exceptions. For instance, when flying from South America to Mexico, you’re not allowed to land directly in Toluca, a common executive airport near Mexico City. Instead, you must first stop at Tapachula, a designated entry point where aircraft undergo a detailed inspection before being cleared through customs.
So, while in theory you could fly from a place like the Taj Mahal to the Masai Mara, in practice, you would have to enter through a designated international airport, like Nairobi, to comply with immigration and customs procedures.
What’s the most unique or special trip you've done for a client?
Trips to the Caribbean or Africa are often among the most memorable for our clients. One that stands out was a journey that began in Johannesburg. From there, we continued to Cape Town, then on to Zimbabwe to visit Victoria Falls, with several photographic safaris along the way.
What made it especially unique was that the same aircraft and crew accompanied the clients throughout the entire journey. We started the adventure with them and remained by their side the whole time, ensuring flexibility, privacy, and comfort every step of the way.
Do your aircraft fly at different altitudes than commercial planes?
Yes, we typically fly at higher altitudes than commercial airlines. This offers several advantages: less crowded airspace, greater flexibility in route selection, and faster travel times.
By avoiding the heavily trafficked commercial routes, we can adjust more easily to weather changes or air traffic restrictions. This also means a smoother, more direct flying experience for our clients.
How are landings organized at different airports? Do you use private runways?
We use the same runways as commercial aircraft, but we have access to a much broader range of airports, especially smaller ones that are off-limits or impractical for large jets.
Take London, for example. I always recommend landing at Farnborough, an airport dedicated entirely to business aviation. There, the clients land, and as I open the aircraft door, their car is already waiting. They step off the plane, into the car, and head directly to their destination, no lines, no delays. And if customs are required, the officers come to the plane, check the documents on the spot, and the client is on their way without ever entering a terminal.
Do air traffic control towers give private flights priority over commercial ones?
No, in the eyes of air traffic control, all aircraft are equal when it comes to approach, landing, and taxiing.
However, private aviation offers indirect advantages: we typically fly into smaller airports with less traffic, which significantly reduces waiting times. The procedures for parking, shutdown, and disembarkation are also much quicker. Clients enjoy a seamless, efficient experience from touchdown to departure, one of the key luxuries of private aviation.
What are your trips like? Where do you enjoy going? Has working with private clients influenced how you travel yourself?
I have two main hobbies: golf and skiing. For skiing, I usually head to the Alps. I fly into Munich and drive to whichever resort I'm in the mood for. It’s efficient and gives me flexibility, which I value.
One of the perks of our job is the downtime between flights. After several intense days of work, we typically get just as many days off. I make the most of that time, especially to get away and play a few rounds of golf whenever I can.
If you were to travel around the world, what would your ideal itinerary look like?
That really depends on your passions. I believe an ideal trip is the one that aligns with your hobbies, whether it’s sports, culture, nature, or just relaxation. The beauty of having a private jet at your disposal is that you can shape the journey as you go. Plans can change mid-trip without any issue.
At Gestair, we offer 24/7 availability to our clients; the only limit is the number of hours we, as pilots, are legally allowed to fly. Aside from that, the flexibility for the passenger is nearly unlimited. If they want to chase the sun around the world, attend a Formula 1 race one weekend and play golf on a cliffside course the next, we can make it happen.
