The following is an article featured in both Forbes^© and Fortune^© magazines:

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A Flight Level Above

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Co-owner of Tavaero Jet Charter, Corp. since 1995, Marcela White has honed her expertise in the aviation industry over decades. During that time, she learned what questions people seeking a jet charter company should ask.

White recommends some things for first-time charter clients. First, ask if the company has a safety management system in place. If so, ask how long it's been implemented and compare that to the company's years in operation. Even though it may seem extreme, it's important to ask if there have ever been accidents. When shopping around at different companies, White suggests comparing costs and digging deeper if there are major discrepancies.

"If a jet charter company is significantly cheaper, it should raise a red flag," she says. "You must ask questions to see if corners are being cut or if that company operates in a 'floating fleet' model, selling the plane with one-way pricing continuously. You aren't purchasing a trinket. This is a flight that will transport family members or business associates."

One of just 16 operators worldwide that is WYVERN Wingman Pro Certified, Tavaero is committed to safety in every facet of the company, from dispatch to maintenance. The team conducts quarterly reviews of safety processes driven by non-punitive employee reports, and if anything is higher risk than it should be, policy changes are implemented.

This attention to detail extends to customer service. Whether it's determining the best snacks, food, and beverages to provide on board or organizing ground transportation at the airport, flight coordinators ask myriad questions to discover passengers' exact needs. The team considers passenger count and scheduling restraints to determine the best aircraft, from light and mid-size planes to heavy jets and turboprops. If Tavaero can't provide the best aircraft for a potential client, the team will connect them with another company who can.

"We establish a connection from the moment someone first calls in for a flight," says White. "It's about asking detailed questions to make clients' lives easier."

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First-Class Diligence

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Born in Africa, White lived overseas for much of her childhood and traveled often with her family. She developed a love of seeing the world, and with an innate entrepreneurial inclination, a leadership role in the aviation industry was a natural progression.

As a woman, White had to work twice as hard to rise as high as her male counterparts. Determined to understand every aspect of the industry, she recieved her pilot's license and her cabin attendant certification so she could understand the challenges pilots encounter on a day-to-day basis and lead her team more effectively.

Recognized as a 2024 Breakthrough Woman at the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce International Conference for Women, White is proud of the unique perspective she brings to her field. One of her biggest passions is helping other women thrive in the industry, teaching them how to communicate more effectively and navigate the challenges they will face.

"I love helping women with the knowledge I've gained along the way," says White. "We still have a long way to go, but it's better today than it ever has been. There are so many women who have worked hard to make that possible."