Vik Saini: Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur

Vik Saini is the President of Air Partners, a private aircraft management and charter company built on the same cost and efficiency-driven approach Tim Morgan used as a Founder of WestJet. What advice does he have for other young professionals? Find out in today’s profile…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Air Partners is a private aircraft management and charter company. We turn private aircraft ownership, an experience which is normally very complicated and complex, into a highly efficient business tool. Not only can we turn idle assets into revenue generating assets for aircraft owners, we also simplify the process by handling all of the operational requirements such as pilots, aircraft maintenance, insurance, training, etc. 

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
December, 2005. Our founder, Tim Morgan, is the visionary behind the business. As one of four original WestJet founders, Tim took the same cost and efficiency-driven approach and applied it to the private aviation business without sacrificing exceptional customer service.   

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part? 
We have a great team and I certainly enjoy working with the people who have made Air Partners a success. In addition, it’s a real privilege to work with our clients and aircraft owners – all of whom have inspiring stories of their own. 

Operational challenges such as bad weather or unexpected aircraft maintenance definitely make our lives complicated some days, but we enjoy rising to the occasion just as much and being able deliver a superior guest experience, even during times of turmoil.

Where do you see your business going in five years? 
Over the past eight years, we’ve grown from two aircraft to 15 aircraft and we’d love to continue growing our fleet at the same pace. We’ve also worked very hard at making our business scalable, allowing us to easily duplicate the model in new markets.  In five years, we hope to have Air Partners in a few other Western Canadian cities.

What does success look like to you?
Success to us doesn’t mean being the biggest, but being the best and most admired in our space.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I’m not sure I have one but it’s been very rewarding to see our team grow with the company. It’s exciting to hear about an employee purchasing a home for the first time and knowing we’ve had a small part in that. 

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Revenue before expense, and better before cheaper. 

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
It’s important to give back, no matter how big or small. We’ve been able to support some great causes over the years and one that is especially important to us is the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank. The thought of people, particularly children, not having enough, or in some cases anything to eat, doesn’t sit well with us.

What is Notable to you?
You’d be surprised at how down to earth and humble a private aircraft owner can be.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
I’ve been a big Apple supporter since the late 90s so I have stay loyal and carry an iPhone. 

How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Time tends to be fairly limited so I enjoy spending whatever spare time I may have with my family and loved ones – not to mention my three dogs, Haley, Odyn and Bella – all three of whom bring me great joy and happiness.