Led by award winning CEO Dr. Aleksandar Simic, FTC Group combines expertise with a forward-thinking vision. With a multinational team and a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, the company is carving a unique role in business aviation through strategic growth and innovative services.
In a rapidly evolving world, businesses must constantly adapt to change and seize opportunities to stay ahead. FTC Group exemplifies this adaptability, emerging as a young, dynamic, and ambitious player in the business aviation sector. As a company built on the unique blend of Western and Eastern European cultures, FTC Group’s core strength lies in its multinational team of passionate professionals. The company’s commitment to its people is central to its ethos, and this culture of inclusivity and diversity has paved the way for a collaborative and innovative working environment.
At the heart of FTC Group is a forward-thinking strategy that focuses on quality over quantity. With a fleet of eight aircraft currently under its management, the company is not aiming for explosive growth, but rather for consistent, controlled expansion.
After covid we arrived to number of 13 aircraft, all heavy jets but to fully comply and implement restrictive measures of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 and Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014, especially Article 3d we terminated most of our Aircraft Management Agreements (AMA) because our operating bases were Moscow Sheremetyevo (UUEE) and Moscow Vnukovo airports (UUWW). We managed not to make layoffs neither salary cuts as our business bear brunt of Ukrainian crisis. The situation presented a massive headache for us but we survived the second big crisis in a row.
A Role Model for New Entrants
Unlike many of its competitors, FTC Group is not trying to compete with the largest players in the business aviation market. Instead, the company seeks to become a role model for new entrants in the industry. By creating a collaborative environment with a clear vision and shared priorities, the company is well-positioned to inspire the next generation of aviation businesses. This unique positioning is strengthened by FTC’s culture, which balances the work ethics and values from both Western and Eastern Europe, making it a dynamic and resilient entity.
Navigating the Challenges of Business Aviation
The business aviation industry is complex, and recent global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and international conflicts have introduced unprecedented challenges. The pandemic, in particular, forced the entire aviation sector to reinvent itself. While business aviation was better able to adapt to the restrictions compared to commercial aviation, it still felt the impact, especially in terms of passenger traffic and increased operational costs. However, as Dr. Simic points out, the industry is showing signs of recovery, though it might take another year or two to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Customer demand has also shifted since the pandemic. “People are now looking for affordable transportation solutions,” says Simic. Rather than focusing on cabin size or luxury, customers are prioritising cost efficiency, a trend that is reshaping the way aircraft are chartered. In this environment, FTC Group has been proactive, ensuring its fleet and service offerings are well-suited to meet the changing needs of its clients.
Responding to Global Events
The aviation sector continues to be impacted by global conflicts, particularly the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war. These conflicts have disrupted flight routes, increased fuel prices, and introduced new challenges for operators across the globe. In response, many aviation companies, including FTC Group, have implemented measures such as fuel price hedging to mitigate the risks posed by these events. By proactively addressing these challenges, FTC is ensuring the continuity of its operations and maintaining a high level of service for its clients.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Growth
As FTC Group looks to the future, the company is focused on exploring new opportunities to enhance its service offerings. One of the key areas of growth is in CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation) services. With existing approvals from San Marino and Cayman Islands aviation authorities, FTC is planning to expand its CAMO services to third-party clients, offering comprehensive airworthiness management to operators beyond its own fleet.
Another potential area of expansion is the brokerage market. FTC has already gained valuable experience in aircraft leasing and purchasing, and the company is keen to build on this experience to provide brokerage services to its clients. Whether it’s helping clients buy or sell an aircraft, FTC’s extensive network and partnerships with major manufacturers and brokers ensure that the company can offer unparalleled support in navigating the complexities of the market.
Moreover, the company is exploring opportunities in consulting and training services, particularly in aviation safety, security, and management. With Dr. Aleksandar Simic’s extensive experience as a professor and aviation expert, FTC is well-positioned to offer tailored training programmes for both operational staff and management. These programmes, based on Dr. Simic’s own academic work, will provide clients with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain high safety standards and improve overall operational efficiency.
A Customer-Centric Approach
At the core of FTC’s success is its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. The company operates with a clear set of priorities: safety, reliability, friendliness, and economy. Safety is always the top priority, and FTC’s management is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of its operations meets the highest safety standards. This commitment is reflected in the company’s focus on compliance with regulatory directives and manufacturer recommendations, as well as its collaboration with industry partners to continually enhance the safety of its fleet.
Reliability is another key pillar of FTC’s operations. By ensuring that its flights are punctual and its services meet the expectations of clients and partners, FTC has built a reputation for dependability. Simic emphasizes that “punctuality and reliability form the foundation for a safe operation,” and this principle guides the company’s approach to every aspect of its business.
Friendliness is equally important in FTC’s service philosophy. Every employee, from the flight crew to the ground staff, plays a crucial role in creating a positive experience for customers. “Our employees are the face of the company,” says Dr. Simic. “It is our ultimate goal to exceed customer expectations and provide an exceptional overall experience.”
Finally, FTC’s focus on economy ensures that the company remains competitive in a challenging market. By carefully managing operational risks and maintaining financial stability, FTC can continue to offer high-quality services at a fair price, ensuring long-term success and stability for both the company and its employees.
To conclude, FTC Group is not just a company; it’s a vision for the future of business aviation. By staying true to its core values and prioritising quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, FTC has positioned itself as a leader in the industry. Whether through strategic acquisitions, expanding service offerings, or maintaining a customer-centric approach, the organisation seeks to constantly evolve to meet the needs of its clients. As the company continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission: to set a new standard for excellence in business aviation.
Comprehensive details on FTC Group and its range of aviation services, together with contact points, can be found on the company website: https://www.ftc.aero/ftc-about-us/