For aviation interior design, I often say how important it is to match the design to how the aircraft is being used. But it goes beyond just having durable carpet for aircraft that are chartered or colors that are modern versus traditional. How the interior is designed affects the whole team responsible for the aircraft, including the corporate flight attendant.

I’m so delighted to introduce you to Jamie Gibson, Founder of Flightess. She’s a leader in her field, doing amazing things connecting, teaching, and creating in the corporate flight attendant community. Her polish and attention to detail are second to none! 

As an interior designer, I love reading her blogs and posts because I learn something new every time. Jamie’s expert insight into how she attends to her aircraft guests always sparks my creativity and opens up new ways for me to think about designing aircraft interiors. Her content will also make you hungry because she shares the most amazing recipes and inflight cooking tips!

Read on to learn more about Jamie, Flightess, and in-flight hostessing! 

For those who aren’t familiar, tell us about Flightess and why you started it. 

I always heard from different mentors in my life that if you see a need for something that doesn’t already exist, then you should build it yourself. 

I saw a gap in the Corporate Flight Attendant world where there wasn’t a platform or voice that favored community over competition by fostering inclusive innovation.

Now Flightess is the largest online resource for Business Aviation Flight Attendants that continues to bring forth new ideas in the realms of VIP Hospitality and onboard cuisine while simultaneously creating and fostering professional relationships around the globe.

How did you discover your passion for food and decide to combine it with in-flight hostessing?

I think food in general can be really powerful and I’ve spent my whole life diving head first into understanding that power.

The term “Breaking bread” exists for a reason because there is very real energy to sitting down and sharing a meal with another person. It has the ability to conjure lost memories that are tethered to meals one has eaten in their lifetime. Even preparing a meal for someone is a small act of love in and of itself. I was always drawn to the connection between food and community as they seem to intrinsically go hand in hand.

What tied the whole package together for me was when I started to understand the power and relationship of food presentation. 

“We eat with our eyes first” 

That understanding of impact would carry on to be my core philosophy that extends to all details of inflight hostessing, make everything beautiful.

What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?

Keep it simple but significant. This industry is full of excess opulence and riches. When I first started, I thought the only things that would resonate with my guests would be caviar and Hermes. But after working with a myriad of clientele for over seven years, it really comes down to the small, thoughtful gestures that resonate the most. It doesn’t matter how many commas one may have in their bank account, a thoughtful gesture always conveys exceptional care. 

How does a well-designed aircraft interior affect your responsibilities as a corporate flight attendant?

Everything we do inflight as corporate flight attendants is about time and motion and the rhythm that those two factors create. 

How much time does it take you to successfully complete a client request?

How much motion does it take you to successfully complete a client request?

If either of those key rhythms are out of sync, you begin to work reactively rather than proactively inflight. If an aircraft is not designed to minimize the time and motion it takes for you to serve a meal, make a bed, or stow your inventory, you’ve already begun working uphill in a losing game. Having an interior that is designed smartly, with a nuanced level of detail and intention, will create a graceful rhythm for the entire flight from beginning to end.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into business aviation?

I would say do your research, talk to as many Business Aviation FA’s as possible. Research Flight Safety and Air Care FACTS for your initial cabin attendant training and begin to boost your resume with applicable skills whether that be wine training, etiquette, or fine dining. It helps tremendously to network and have a mentor that can open doors for you and guide you as you take this step into a challenging career. Be sure to stay tenacious and professional as it can sometimes take upwards of 6 months to get your first flight after completing training. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time between flights?

What free time?! (Kidding!! 😉 )

I take my reputation as being an “Encyclopedia of Worldwide Restaurant Recommendations” very seriously. So when I do have some free time in between flights you will catch me sippin’ cappuccinos at the local coffee shops, brunching at a streetside cafe, hunting down some cool street art or architecture, and finishing off the day with a cocktail and some local cuisine that inspires my taste-buds and soul. 

What new and exciting things can we look forward to from Flightess? 

I am so excited to be working on launching two Flightess e-courses in the coming months. One will cater to those who want a full rundown on Business Aviation as a whole and who would like to discover the roadmap on how to successfully and systematically break into a very difficult industry. The second course is tailored for tenured Corporate Flight Attendants who are looking for ways to enhance their onboard skill set through culinary arts in the galley, body language, verbal communication, and fine dining etiquette that is all specifically tailored for private jets. 

You can learn more about Jamie and Flightess on her Website, Facebook, and Instagram!