Michelle Dana
Hegenheim
Summary
Personal Statement
Aviation professional with experience in operations, flight dispatch, and premium inflight service, now focused on private jet charter sales. I handle complex, high-value flights for UHNWI and VIP clients, managing everything from negotiation and trip planning to execution. Known for building strong client relationships and driving new business, I combine hands-on operational knowledge with commercial instinct to deliver smooth, compliant, and tailored flight experiences.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Charter Sales
Premium Jet
05.2025 - Current
- Manage private jet charter requests for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI) and VIP clients
- Oversee the full sales process from inquiry and quotation to flight coordination and post-flight follow-up
- Negotiate with operators and suppliers to secure optimal pricing and aircraft options
- Prepare bespoke, complex itineraries ensuring seamless execution of each mission
- Handle invoicing, documentation, and client communication with precision and discretion
- Maintain expert knowledge of the private aviation market and regulatory requirements
- Perform effectively under pressure while upholding exceptional service standards
- Role impacted by company restructuring following a significant reduction in the sales team
Ground Operations Officer - Charters
Zimex Aviation Ltd
01.2016 - 04.2025
- Managed EMEA flight logistics for private, group, military, and cargo charters, ensuring strict regulatory compliance and operational efficiency
- Coordinated specialized missions including transport of forbidden and dangerous goods, humanitarian aid, incentive travel, and live animals
- Oversaw complex military and civil cargo operations under high-security and time-critical conditions
- Developed and expanded the charter desk, driving new business and strengthening client loyalty
- Built and maintained key relationships with operators, regulatory bodies, and clients to ensure seamless service and repeat business
- Excelled in fast-paced, high-pressure environments requiring precision, discretion, and rapid problem-solving
Operations Coordinator / Charter Specialist
Farnair / ASL
03.2010 - 01.2016
- Planned and coordinated international charter flights, managing permits, flight planning, and compliance
- Streamlined operational workflows and implemented standardized procedures to improve efficiency
Flight Dispatcher
Noor Aviation
01.2009 - 01.2010
International Trip Planner
Jeppesen UK (Boeing)
01.2004 - 2008
- Planned and coordinated international charter flights, managing permits, flight planning, and compliance
- Streamlined operational workflows and implemented standardized procedures to improve efficiency
Education
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
University of Sussex
06.2003
Bachelor of Science - Tourism with Marketing
Buckinghamshire New University
06.2000
Skills
- Operations
- Customer Service
- Flight dispatch
- Regulatory compliance
- Flight planning
- Dangerous goods CAT 2 Certification expired
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Coordination
- Invoicing
- Adaptability
- Time management
- Organization
- Multitasking
- Teamwork
- Independence
- Flight Time Limitations
- PPS flight planning
- Attention to detail
- IQSMS
- SITA
- MS Office
- MS Teams
- Customer service
- Strong work ethic
- Skylegs
- Avinode sales tool
Timeline
Director Charter Sales
Premium Jet
05.2025 - Current
Ground Operations Officer - Charters
Zimex Aviation Ltd
01.2016 - 04.2025
Operations Coordinator / Charter Specialist
Farnair / ASL
03.2010 - 01.2016
Flight Dispatcher
Noor Aviation
01.2009 - 01.2010
International Trip Planner
Jeppesen UK (Boeing)
01.2004 - 2008
Bachelor of Science - Tourism with Marketing
Buckinghamshire New University
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
University of Sussex
Personal Information
ID Type: British / Portuguese Passport holder - G permit holder