6 Questions with Edward Queffelec, CEO of Sparfell Group

It was our pleasure to catch up with Edward Queffelec, CEO of Sparfell Group, a world leader in the field of private aviation based out of Switzerland.

1. Can you give us an overview of your background and how you started Sparfell Group?

The Queffelec family has been in the aviation, and even corporate aviation since the 1950s. Bernard, the first generation started flying oil companies executive in Northern Africa before moving his carreer to Madagascar and finally back in France.

Philip, the second generation, developed the aircraft trading activity and the aircraft management and charter side in the early 1990s. Edward joined in the 2000s assisting the group development and consolidation, currently running the group.

2. What sets your private jet charter service apart from competitors?

First fundamental aspect, as mentioned above, is that we are a 100% family owned company: consequences are a very agile governing body with fast decision process, long term vision governed by customer long term satisfaction and not just next year company EBITDA…this creates a long term relationship with our customer funded on trust.

Second, we do build operational centers close to our customers with ability to speak their language, understand their specificities, etc…finally with our recent development in lifestyle activity (yacht & properties management, charter and brokerage, travel agency) in-house, we offer a fully integrated solution to our customers.  

3. What are some of the challenges you face in the private jet charter industry, and how do you overcome them? 

Sustainability is probably the greatest challenge our industry is facing and Sparfell is proudly part of the leaders providing innovative solutions for our customers and for Group’s operations.

Also as part of the challenges we are facing on the operational side, during peak days or specific events, some airports are full or giving a kind of priority to airliners, so we strive to meet with client’s requests and provide them with the best alternative solution in case the 1st wish could not be granted.

4. Can you share any memorable or unique experiences your company has had while serving clients?

Our private aviation life is made of passion and memorable experiences, from celebrating special events on board to performing world tours, carrying Princes, Kings and Queens on board.

If we have to highlight a specific and very recent event, Sparfell has been honored to be selected as the partner of a studios company to transport the main actors to very specific places which required particular operational guidelines and training for crew of the few involved aircraft.

5. Can you discuss any expansion plans or new initiatives your company is working on?

We have recently opened our Spanish company and Paris office to further geographically develop, always keeping our glocal approach serving our customers locally with local people but using the group size and organization.

Furthermore we are also working on developing our sustainability solutions: we know our industry is not the most ecological one, but like any entrepreneur or citizen, we have the duty to seek by any means the ways to reduce our footprint.

A dedicated team analyse how we can reduced based on technical and operational processes optimization, as well as new fuel and CO2 treatment solutions.  

6. What role do you see technology playing in the future of private jet charter services?  

Technology and AI will certainly help in optimising the use of the fleet and empty positioning. For the rest the human flair will be difficult to replace when it comes to exceeding our customers’ expectations.