Issue 1 2016
Driv ing force
Victor goes East
On the road with militar y veterans in New York p36
Doing business in Hong Kong p4 4
Cuban colour The island ar tists taking on Miami p52
Welcome
t o the latest issue of Victor Magazine.
T
he way we work is changing fast. In our special business section, which starts on page 36, we meet the CEO (and US Army veteran) of Capstar Chauffeurs in America. Casey Martinez talks about launching a business in a crowded marketplace like New York, and how employing military personnel as drivers helps Capstar to stand out from the rest.
On the left and inside back cover: the Canadian Rockies as seen from the air.
Designer Rose Bircham roseatwork.com
Special thanks Johanna Oja johanna.oja@flyvictor.com
60 Sloane Avenue London SW3 3XB +44 20 7384 8550 info@flyvictor.com @flyvictor
Snow, of course, is always a feature of life at this time of year. Whether your interests lie in hurtling down the slopes, playing a few chukkas or attending world economic forums, we take a look at the best terminals for getting there easier and faster on page 78.
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Easier and faster are two of Victor’s favourite words, because they describe how we think travel should be. We’re here to help you create opportunities, refresh your senses, and discover new worlds – wherever you are and wherever you want to go. Enjoy the issue. With very best wishes,
Miami is a city that’s always done things a little differently, and our interview with SCOPE Art Show founder Alexis Hubshman reveals why it was the perfect place to launch our Art of Curated Travel series. Victor now flies to Cuba from 19 US cities, and Miami’s proximity to the island nation
Phil Thomas Editor phil.thomas@flyvictor.com
EDITOR'S NOTE
Victor Magazine is published by: Victor
On page 24, we take a trip to Istanbul for a stay at the Shangri-La Bosphorus. Located on the banks of one of the world’s most famous waterways, this restored and remodelled tobacco warehouse comes complete with stunning views of a city built on trade. The Shangri-La’s combination of Eastern hospitality and Western convenience is perfectly at home in a place that famously straddles two continents – and seems perpetually on the cusp of change.
In our design story on p68, we swap Latin warmth for Scandi cool and a visit to the Ion hotel in Iceland. Designed around the concept of bringing the outside in, its owner Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir explains what luxury means in an environment that can be as unforgiving as it is spectacular, and why hers is the only building she’d like to be in during an earthquake.
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On the cover: en route with the Embraer Legacy 650.
Our special section also explains why flying Victor for Business makes business sense, and contains an interview with our founder and CEO Clive Jackson. Touching down in Hong Kong after a whirlwind tour of Asia, he shares his thoughts on the on-demand economy and doing business in the Far East (p44).
seemed like exactly the right moment to learn more about its vibrant culture and fascinating past. He explains all on page 52.
WHY VICTOR? Seamless technology. Full transparency. Connected and in control.
Victor is revolutionising the private charter industry with seamless technology that makes comparing, booking and managing flights faster and more accessible than ever before. We require no upfront capital while providing all the guarantees and conveniences of a jet card or membership programme.
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We are the first fully transparent booking platform in private aviation, and our world-class technology gives you access to every last detail before committing to a trip – including tail number, operator name, safety information, aircraft photos and interior amenities.
With Victor there is no need to shop around for the best pricing: we offer highly competitive, flat-rate sideby-side comparisons and only work with the highest safety-rated operators available.
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TRANSPARENT PRICING MEANS NO SURPRISES AND NO HIDDEN FEES. Victor offers best price guarantee, full disclosure of transaction fees and fixed booking fees. Quotes are valid for 24 hours and there are no extra costs for taxiing time or fuel surcharges. Up to 75% discount on empty-leg pricing is the most competitive in the industry.
NO BAIT AND SWITCH: THE AIRCRAFT YOU BOOK IS THE AIRCRAFT YOU FLY. The tail number never changes, and full disclosure of operator and aircraft details from over 7,000 planes worldwide ensures you know what you’re booking in advance.
FULL INSURANCE. The cost for unexpected aircraft replacement is on us. Mechanical recovery insurance means there are no out-of-pocket costs for aircraft replacement (a first in pay-as-you-go charter).
SMART TECHNOLOGY WITH SEAMLESS SMARTPHONE BOOKING AND FLIGHT MANAGEMENT. End-to-end charter booking on web and mobile, instant free price quotes and in-app flight management are only a few of the convenient features that make Victor technology work for you.
PREMIUM ACCESS TO THOUSANDS OF DESTINATIONS. With all of the guarantees and conveniences of a jet card or membership programme.
24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE. Expert professionals are available 24/7 all over the world to curate the best aircraft for your needs.
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“ With Victor, you are always connected and 100% in control of your charter experience"
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CONTENTS
Some of the places we’ve been and the people we’ve met to bring you this issue 14 Seasonal selection For the man and the woman who think they have everything. 24 Bul market | istanbul Where to go and what to do in Turkey's most exciting metropolis. 36 Black ops | new york Capstar Chauffeurs' Casey Martinez on setting up shop in a crowded market. 40 Fly smarter Why Victor for Business makes business sense. 44 Driving efficiency | hong kong Victor's founder and CEO Clive Jackson on entrepreneurship in the East.
48 On top of The World For views that change and a flat that floats, this is the only mega-yacht you'll ever need.
68 Poles apart | iceland For a warm welcome in a cold climate, point your plane to Reykjavík and the Ion hotel.
52 Picture this | miami Why SCOPE and Victor paint the perfect picture.
78 On a high From safaris in India to forums in Switzerland, these are the mountains with a difference that are piquing our interest.
60 Cool, calm & connected Abu Dhabi, London, New York and Sydney: the seamless connection between Victor and Etihad. 66 Compare & contrast Victor Customer Account Manager Ludwig Janson pits Cessna's Citation XLS+ against the Embraer Phenom 300.
86 For your perusal | peru Make for the southern hemisphere and let the luxury travel specialist Belmond be your guide. 88 Air ways With over 7,000 at your disposal, there's a jet for every occasion.
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CONTRIBUTORS Clive Jackson Following his trip to Hong Kong, where he spoke to aspiring entrepreneurs at Infiniti Labs HKG, Jackson is now helping one of them with the next stage of their development. THOUGHT LEADER, p44
Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir What's the most common mistake people make about Iceland? "They confuse it with Greenland," she says, "but it's green here too." Rejkjavík means "smoky bay". DESIGN, p68
Ludwig Janson What's the Victor Customer Account Manager's all-time favourite jet? “The Bombardier Challenger 300 – a fantastic aircraft!” TECH SPEC, p66
Sam Chippindale What's on your wish list? “I would adore a Loro Piana knitted baby cashmere dressing gown this Christmas, but then I’ve been dropping that hint for years.” SEASONAL SELECTION, p14
Zsa Zsa As a long-haired Afghan Hound with a healthy wanderlust and a penchant for feeling the wind in her hair, Zsa Zsa always uses shampoo AND conditioner. FURS CLASS, p56
WORLD OF VICTOR
Daghan Gurkanlar A native of Istanbul, Gurkanlar photographed his home city for Victor. He introduced us to his favourite places – and Turkey's own brand of hipsters – in the process. SEASONAL CITIES, p24
THE LEGEND AMONG ICONS.
Portugieser Perpetual Calendar. Ref. 5034: Real icons have a special story to tell. And what was true of the great Portuguese seafarers also applies to IWC’s own Portugieser. After all, the history of its genesis bears the stamp of courageous innovation and watchmaking expertise at its best. Seventy-five years ago, two Portuguese businessmen approached IWC requesting a wristwatch with the precision of a marine chronometer. In response, IWC’s watchmakers took the unprecedented step of housing a hunter pocket watch movement in a wristwatch case. In so d o i n g, th ey fo u n d e d a watc h f a m i l y w h o s e ti m e l e s s elegance, sophisticated technology and unmatched complexity have been a source of wonderment ever since. The
movement itself is visible through a transparent sapphire glass back cover that provides an unimpeded view of the IWC-manufactured 52000 calibre’s impressive precision. The watch’s complexity is eloquently expressed by the perpetual calendar, whose functions can all be adjusted simply by turning the crown. And just as observing the star-studded heavens can guide a ship safely to harbour, a glance at the perpetual calendar and the moon phase display navigate the wearer safely through the complexities of time. This, in a nutshell, is how 75 years of watch making history became an icon of haute horlogerie. And how, thanks to its unique blend of perfection and timeless elegance, it has become a legend in its own time. I WC . E N G I N E E R E D FO R M E N .
LO N D O N B O U T I Q U E | 138 N E W B O N D S T R E E T | W 1 S 2TJ | +4 4 (0) 203 618 39 00 I WC S C H A F F H AU S E N B O U T I Q U E S: PA R I S | LO N D O N | R O M E | M O S COW | N E W YO R K | B E I J I N G | D U B A I | H O N G KO N G | G E N E VA | ZU R I C H I WC .CO M
T: +44 (0)20 7225 5994 • CORPO
HARRODSCORPOR
OR ATE.SERVICE@HARRODS.COM
R ATESERVICE.COM
T: +44 (0)20 7225 5994 • CORPOR ATE.SERVICE@HARRODS.COM HARRODSCORPOR ATESERVICE.COM
SEASONAL SELECTION The things that get Victor’s seal of approval this winter
FIT FOR PURPOSE Ralph Lauren PoloTech polo shirt
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The build-up to Christmas, let alone the port-and-stilton aftermath, can take its toll on even the strictest fitness regimes, but Ralph Lauren’s revolutionary PoloTech smart shirt means you don’t need to call in the personal trainer. Linked to an adaptive workout app, the shirt allows you to tailor your own training programme and monitor your progress.
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The snugly fitted, Polo-branded piece is a style statement in itself, but it’s what’s inside that makes it special: silver fibres woven into the fabric give accurate readings of heart rate, breath depth and recovery, energy output and calories burned, which are then streamed into your iPhone, iWatch or iPod Touch. The app then uses a breakdown of your biometrics to determine the intensity of the next workout, leaving you looking good in every sense. ralphlauren.com
“ Silver fibres woven into the fabric give accurate readings of heart rate, breath depth and recovery, energy output and calories burned"
BABY GRAND DESIGNS Steinway Spirio piano You may have the musical talent of a cat, yet, as your fingers slide across the keys and (small giveaway) press play on the attached tablet, the ivories of your Steinway will begin to make sweet music of their own. The Spirio can perform up to 1,700 songs autonomously, with perfect timbre and timing: simply load your selection onto the app, which communicates with the piano via Bluetooth, and let the concert begin. Steinway has been synonymous with the finest concert pianos since it was founded some 160 years ago. Realising that not all its clients are professional pianists, but that they appreciate the perfect resonance of a fine instrument, the Spirio brings the depth and nuance of a live Steinway performance into the home – and makes those hours of practice a thing of the past. Bravo!
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steinway.com
“ Simply load your selection onto the app and let the concert begin"
DISPATCHES
WRAP STAR Burberry Scarf Bar The redeeming feature of bitter winds and frosty mornings is the necessity for a gorgeous winter scarf, and what better than a traditionally loomed, pure cashmere swathe of luxury from Burberry? The fashion house has just launched its Scarf Bar in store and online, with a heritage and lightweight collection in 30 different colours, classic checks and runway-inspired prints. The scarves can also be personalised with a silk-embroidered monogram, and each one is presented in a classic trench-coloured cardboard tube embossed with the signature Burberry knight. The 100% cashmere scarves have been made in Scotland for generations, with the wool washed in the spring waters of Elgin and Ayr and hand-brushed for a super-soft surface pile. It's time to get winter all wrapped up. burberry.com
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“Only 500 of the timepieces will be made over the next two years"
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TIME LORD Star Wars by Devon watch If for you the only proper Star Wars films were the original Darth Vader-driven epics, then the release of The Force Awakens is a chance to revisit the childhood thrill of that galaxy far, far away. LA-based design lab Devon, whose motto is "bend reality", has collaborated with Lucasfilm to create the Star Wars by Devon watch. Only 500 of the timepieces will be made over the next two years, fusing visual references to TIE fighters, the Imperial crest and Vader’s helmet with materials sourced from a Californian aerospace company. The stainless-steel watch case is finished in the blackest Diamond-Like Carbon Coating (DLC), and is powered by Devon’s patented system of interwoven Time Belts and hybrid electromechanical power. Truly a force to be reckoned with. devonworks.com
LIONHEART Chanel Sous le Signe du Lion collection
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Following the death of her great love Boy Capel in 1920, Coco Chanel escaped Paris to find solace in the light and colours of Venice. Walking alone one morning, the sight of the bronze winged lion, rising above the morning mist on its column in St Mark's Square, made a lasting impression on Chanel, who was herself a Leo. The beast is now the inspiration for Chanel Fine Jewellery’s Sous le Signe collection, which follows two themes: Lion ‘arty’, a fluid, geometric reworking of the king of the jungle in yellow gold, and Lion ‘pépites’, in which the majestic head is defined in sinuous, diamond-embellished curves.
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chanel.com
“Henry Jacques is to perfume what haute couture is to fashion"
SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY Henry Jacques Demandes Particulières perfume
Available in Harrods’ Salon de Parfums as well as by appointment in its Paris salon, the bespoke Demandes Particulières et Sur Mesure service allows clients to collaborate with Henry Jacques to blend and refine their own choice of pure oils and extracts like delicate jasmine, heady musk and velvety rose to create their signature scent. If you can’t wait for bespoke, Les Classiques is a readyto-spritz collection of fragrances and the perfect introduction to the olfactory delights on offer at this most blue-blooded palace of perfumery. parfums-henry-jacques.com
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Based in a small atelier near Grasse, Henry Jacques is to perfume what haute couture is to fashion – that rare combination of expertise and artistry that results in something truly memorable. Its creations are sought out by connoisseurs from Hollywood royalty to actual royalty, for whom the house creates one-off fragrances bottled in hand-cut, embellished crystal flacons.
FRENCH POLISH Berluti handmade shoes Before a Berluti customer is permitted to go on their way, they are shown how to do their laces. You might feel you have this covered but unless you can tie a flat Windsor knot, as taught by the Duke of Windsor to Olga Berluti, then you need a quick tutorial. Berluti has always done things its own way, and its bespoke shoes are no different – each pair takes six to nine months to craft. The trademark Alessandro is fashioned from a single piece of glove-soft, hand-patinated Venezia leather, and comes in python, alligator and sharkskin, or even tattooed and scarified finishes. Becoming a Berluti customer goes beyond the stuff between your feet and the pavement: a select gathering of aficionados is invited annually to the Swann Club in Paris, where they dine, wax lyrical about wax and learn how to polish to perfection – using champagne. Santé. 20
berluti.com
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“ L earn how to polish to perfection – using champagne"
Coys fine and historic automobiles This gleaming 1954 Alfa Romeo 1900 SS Touring is as much a statement in style and engineering today as it was when its proud owner drove it through the streets of Rome in search of la dolce vita. The Super Sprint, capable of 120mph (195 km/h) and ready to hit the road for the 2016 Mille Miglia in May, is typical of the meticulously sourced and maintained machines found by Coys. Specialising in the fine and the historic, the company buys from and sells to collectors from around the world. Visitors to its West London showroom will find a pulse-quickening roster of pedigree cars, from steam-powered turn-of-the-century vehicles to the fast and furious performance models of the Seventies and beyond. Coys' worldwide connections make finding your dream car – complete with full service and restoration logs – easier than ever, and its special selection also appears as part of a prestigious auction programme that takes in the Nürburgring, Ascot, Maastricht, Monaco and Blenheim Palace. coys.co.uk
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ALFA MALE
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ImPoRTaNT WaTCHES
EuRoPEaN SaLES CaLENDaR 2016 Watches London, 8 March Important Watches Geneva, May The Celebration of the English Watch London, 7 July
Rolex Ref 6241 Daytona “Paul Newman”, a rare yellow gold chronograph wristwatch, circa 1968 Estimate CHF 80,000–120,000. Sold for CHF 245,000 Sale and consignment enquiries Geneva +41 22 908 47 02 London +44 (0) 20 7293 5793 sothebys.com/watches
FINEST aND RaREST WINES
EuRoPEaN SaLES CaLENDaR 2016 London, 27 January London, 24 February London, 16 March London, 13 April London, 11 May London, 15 June
Consignment and sale enquires stephen.mould@sothebys.com +44 (0)20 7293 5046 sothebys.com/wine
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Straddling two continents, the sprawling city of Istanbul is an ancient trading hub and seat of civilisation. A place of fascinating contradictions, now is the perfect time to watch a metropolis on the move
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irst it was Constantinople, and now it is Istanbul. Changing hands throughout the ages, from the Romans to the Ottomans, this has always been a city with somewhere to go – and fast. Today, nowhere is this more apparent than on the roads, where cars slot in and out of place like an ever-moving jigsaw. As the traffic flows into town from Istanbul Atatürk Airport, tracing the glittering coastline to the right, the spirited driving style of the citizens reminds you that this is a hot-blooded city. On the horizon, the turquoise sea that gives the country its name shimmers into the sky as tankers make their way between the cold waters of Russia and the warmer climes of the Mediterranean. Of course, ensconced in the back seat of the Shangri-La’s royal blue Rolls-Royce puts you one step removed from the action – but roll down the window and the intoxicating smell of spice infuses the cream leather cabin.
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Photos: Daghan Gurkanlar
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“We are physically the closest hotel to the sea,” says the Shangri-La’s General Manager Vito Romeo. “When you lie on your bed, you think you’re floating on water: we bring the Bosphorus inside the room.” As he talks, a commuter ferry passes by outside the window en route from Europe to Asia, and it’s almost as if you’re on board. Close enough to the action yet still at a safe distance –being one step removed – seems to be the Shangri-La way.
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Forty minutes later, we glide into the forecourt of the five-star Shangri-La. Located in the central neighbourhood of Beşiktaş, the building began life as a tobacco warehouse and was extensively renovated before its grand opening in 2013. Sitting next to the Dolmabahçe Palace, which is the largest of its kind in Turkey and the tallest edifice on the Bosphorus Strait (no building is allowed to be higher), the majesty of the surroundings is testament to the incredible power and wealth this ancient port has witnessed over the millennia.
Containing 19,500sq m of mostly Turkish marble, the hotel follows the brand’s tradition of combining its Asian roots with inspiration from the local surroundings. “We always embrace the native culture,” Romeo says. From the whirling dervishes in the light fixtures to the Ottoman design cues in the rooms, and the 18-metre silk painting that falls between floors in the central courtyard, the building doesn’t look out of place sitting in the shadow of Turkey’s grandest royal residence. Romeo started his career aged 14 in the kitchens of the legendary French chef Alain Ducasse, who taught him the attention to detail that is a hallmark of the seamless service the Shangri-La is famous for. He moved to Istanbul to take charge of the property when it opened, and quickly fell in love with his adopted hometown: “It’s a beautiful city. It’s so rich with culture that every day you discover something new,” he says. “And it’s so vibrant: the smells and the sounds and the diversity make it amazing.”
Previous spread: The view from the Shangri-La's eponymous (and biggest) suite, looking from Europe to Asia. Above main: East meets West in the grand entrance hall, which spans the six floors of the hotel. Above top: Your chariot awaits. Above: The Shangri-La's General Manager Vito Romeo started his career as a chef. Left: A glimpse of the sea from Cihangir.
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Like Romeo, attention to detail is something that Concierge Leader Batıkan Avcı knows all about too. For him, everything about his job is done on a personal level: “I have to know you,” he says. Aside from the famous mosques and palaces of the Sultanahmet tourist district, which are a must-see for any first-time visitor, there is plenty more to discover in the neighbourhoods around the hotel: “Getting lost is the best way to see local life,” he advocates. Nestled in between some of Istanbul’s most interesting areas, from the bohemian charm of Cihangir to the polished glamour of Bebek, many destinations are just a short taxi-ride (or, for those who like to explore on foot, even a walk) away. “People come to the European side to have fun,” he says – the Asian side is calmer. Istanbul is pretty much the perfect place to be a concierge, since the culture of can-do and the cultivation of connections (not to mention hospitality) run through its people like blood through their veins. When a diner orders off the menu, it’s unlikely the
waiter will ever come back with a “sorry sir”. It will more likely be an “of course” and a quick dash to the grocery shop or the restaurant next door, to pick up missing ingredients from a friendly rival. “If you know the right person you can do anything,” Avcı grins. “The first thing they taught me: if you don’t know the right person, you have to know the person who knows the right person.” What this means for Avcı’s guests is that they can expect to see and savour the best of the city: “If someone wants a boat to cross the Bosphorus, I get the best boat,” he shrugs. “Because that person is the guest of the Shangri-La.” Of course, restaurant reservations and top tables at the busiest bars are all in a day’s work for the concierge of a hotel like this – but sometimes even the members of Les Clefs d’Or are put to the test. Like the time one of his guests decided, on the spur of the moment, to get married: “I had to find a mosque and I had to find an imam,” Avcı recalls. “Within two days I arranged everything but the only thing I was missing was the witness.” Another smile and another shrug. “I was the witness.”
This page, clockwise from top left: Cihangir; floating away in a corner room; getting into a pickle; Concierge Leader Batıkan Avcı; the Geyik coffee roastery and cocktail bar. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Istanbul is a very cat-friendly city; Cihangir; travel blogger Sedef Tok; preparing for evening drinks in Geyik.
Today, Istanbul is experiencing increasing demand for private jet travel, which reaches its peak in August when holidaymakers book domestic flights to Bodrum and the Aegean coast, and further afield to well established international summer hotspots like Nice. Looking around this industrious metropolis, it’s clear that business is being done: as well as being a city of supreme historical importance, it is
also one under constant construction. From smart residential towers and high-end shopping malls to painstaking renovations and boutique start-ups, it’s always looking towards the future and thinking about what’s next. For Sedef Tok, who runs the influential Turkish travel blog geziyorum.net, Istanbul has always been a city on the move. “From street to street you
step from one century to the next,” she says, explaining how the Karaköy area was a financial and insurance hub in Ottoman times, due to its status as the first port of Istanbul and an important trading post. Then, in the 20th century, it became known for light industry before today’s reincarnation as a night-time hotspot: now it’s home to more hipster bars and cafés than you can shake a fez at.
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Like Rome, building in a city as old as Istanbul sometimes uncovers as much as it creates. It’s not uncommon to renovate an Ottoman villa and discover Roman ruins hiding underneath, which takes time to work around and makes houses in desirable, upscale locations like Bebek rare to come by. Another neighbourhood with international appeal is Nişantaşı: a mix of midsize commercial buildings and handsome mansion blocks, this is where the big designer brands can be found in between the bars, cafés and restaurants that stay open late into the night. The area is as Westernised as Istanbul gets, and come Christmastime fir trees are not uncommon. During December on Abdi İpekçi Caddesi, the main shopping
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street, a red carpet is unfurled along the pavement for extra festive cheer. Deniz Eldem is an interior designer who comes from a long line of Turkish architects. “Istanbul is an old city, with many cultures having lived on this land,” she says. “It means we have a huge variety of architecture and design, from Byzantine to Ottoman and Persian.” What this sometimes translates to, she says with an arched eyebrow, is “basically ornament and detail on every possible surface”. Eldem is an employee of Neo Donatım, the family firm. “Working together from different generations brings colour to our vision,” she says. With a fashionable asymmetrical haircut and
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dressed entirely in black, she is typical of the clientele found in Cihangir’s independent coffee shops, busy reinterpreting the Turkish aesthetic for the modern age: “Nowadays we like to renovate old historical buildings with modern details,” she says, “but without ruining their spirits.” Unsurprisingly, this neighbourhood also attracts artists, writers and expats, with house prices to match. Orhan Pamuk, Turkey’s most celebrated (and Nobel Prizewinning) novelist, also lives here. Whichever of the Shangri-La’s neighbourhoods you choose to visit, what unites them all is the bustle of a busy city. When an Istanbullu is asked for recommendations about where to eat, drink or even live, the options
always come with one overriding factor taken into consideration: the view. “The most important thing about Istanbul is the Bosphorus,” says the Shangri-La’s Avcı, pinpointing the single thing that defines his city. Its location as a meeting point between East and West is what has bestowed great wealth, beautiful buildings and an astounding cultural legacy, and it’s also what makes the hotel so well placed – both as a destination in its own right and as a base from which to explore. Eldem admits that the mix of so many different styles over the centuries can test her design sensibilities, sometimes leaving her longing for uniformity to match the natural beauty of the physical landscape. “You should see it under the snow,” she says.
Above: Interior designer Deniz Eldem. Below: A former industrial part of town, today Karaköy is full of bars, cafés and independent shops.
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DETAILS: Dialling code +90 Airport code Istanbul (IST) Currency Turkish lira (TRY)
ISTANBUL 5 4
EUROPEAN SIDE
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Beşiktaş 2
Nişantaşı
BOSPHORUS STRAIT 6
Cihangir
3
Karaköy GOLDEN HORN
MARMARA SEA
ASIAN SIDE
Bebek
Victor’s picks
Neighbourhoods to know
Fashion shop: Elif Cığızoğlu At her boutique in Nişantaşı, Cığızoğlu offers well-heeled Istanbullus a modern take on classic elegance.
Beşiktaş Containing many of Istanbul’s museums and palaces and home to the Shangri-La, Beşiktaş is the perfect location from which to explore the surrounding neighbourhoods (and for a ferry to Asia).
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elifcigizoglu.com
2 Jewellery shop: Sevan Bıçakçı Known as the “artist jeweller”, Sevan Bıçakçı is Istanbul's number-one choice for those seeking a statement piece like no other. sevanbicakci.com
3 Design shop: Autoban From the occasional table for your living room to the remodelling of your company office, this architect and design studio is drawing the lines of the moment. autoban212.com
kantin.biz
Evening drink: Lucca Along the shore from the Shangri-La to the neighbourhood of Bebek, this seeand-be-scene bar and restaurant offers sweeping views of the Bosphorus.
Cihangir Artists, writers and architects (and expats) like it here, which is reflected in the plethora of antique-sellers, galleries and coffee shops lining the picturesque streets. 33
Karaköy From vegan cakes at Bi Nevi to whiskey-infused tea at Dem, this is where Istanbul’s bar scene is heading next.
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4 Quick lunch: Kantin Turkish classics with a modern European aesthetic are the order of the day in this upscale yet relaxed Nişantaşı eatery.
Bebek Home to UHNW natives and international types alike, Bebek offers residents stunning views over the city below and boasts a fine stock of rarely on-the-market standalone Ottoman-style villas.
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luccastyle.com
Nişantaşı Mature and wealthy, this area mixes home-grown fashion designers like Elif Cığızoğlu with big international brands including Prada and Tom Ford.
Big dinner: Mikla Located on the top floor of The Marmara hotel with a top-floor panorama to match, the “new Anatolian kitchen” of chef-proprietor Mehmet Gürs combines traditional Turkish with modern flair. 6
pera.themarmarahotels.com/dining/ mikla-restaurant.aspx
i Local knowledge: Istanbul by Orhan Pamuk The Nobel Prize-winning author’s love letter to the city he grew up and still lives in perfectly captures Istanbul in all its chaotic, melancholy glory. amazon.com
Above from top: The Shangri-La from the front (the Bosphorus is behind). Built in traditional Ottoman style, this historic villa in Bebek started life as a Greek orphanage and is on the market for £6.6m ($10m). Whiskey-infused tea at Dem. Looking south to the Marmara Sea and the Princes' Islands – a popular summer retreat among well-heeled Turks – in the distance.
DAWN A striking, seductive encounter The new Dawn has arrived - a Rolls-Royce like no other. A striking true four-seater, it captures the exhilaration of open-top driving with an interior crafted in anticipation of unforgettable moments between friends. Anything is possible. Contact us to start your journey.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars The Drive, Westhampnett, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0SH Tel: 01243 384000 www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com Official fuel economy figures for the Rolls-Royce Dawn: Urban 13.2mpg (21.4l/100km). Extra Urban 28.5mpg (9.9l/100km). Combined 20.0mpg (14.1l/100km). CO2 emissions 330g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. Š Copyright Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited 2015. The Rolls-Royce name and logo are registered trademarks.
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BLACK OPS VICTO R M AGA ZIN E C A P S TA R
A UK-based chauffeur service with a difference, Capstar drivers are ex-military men and women. Now, as the company expands into the American market, Victor asks its US chief (and Army veteran) Casey Martinez what it’s like to launch a new brand in a new place
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VICTOR FOR BUSINESS
H
i Casey, tell us a bit about your background, and how you came to head up Capstar’s US operations. After graduating from West Point, I became a US Army Aviation Officer flying Black Hawk helicopters. I spent 15 years in the Army, including two tours in Afghanistan, one in Iraq, and one in Honduras. How does your background inform what you do at Capstar? As an Aviation Officer, I planned and conducted air assault operations, launching anything from five to 30 aircraft to insert ground troops into hostile environments, provide support while on station and then extract the troops when needed. Running a car service is somewhat similar in the logistics, tracking and planning elements but I’m hoping New York will be a bit less hostile in terms of operating environments! As for the drivers, their military service means they are extremely loyal, conscientious, adaptable – and take initiative when appropriate, which is well suited for a car service.
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Previous spread: Casey’s very British new fleet includes the Range Rover Vogue and the Jaguar XJ LWB. Above top: Now Capstar’s US CEO, Casey’s previous career as an Army Aviation Officer included two tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. Above: Casey’s old mode of transport: the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter. Right: On duty in New York City's SoHo.
What are the similarities and what are the differences between Capstar and your previous career? The similarity is that you’re trying achieve a goal and you have to build a team with limited resources to achieve that goal. The difference is that in the military you don’t have to tell anyone that your team is great because the team’s performance will speak for itself. In business, you constantly have to self-promote, which most military people find to be quite strange beast – especially since we’re building a luxury brand. What are the challenges involved in launching a new brand in a new territory? Each city and country has its own culture, so it’s very important that we adapt our model to best fit the needs of the territory we’re expanding to while also maintaining the same high standards and values Capstar is known for.
And what are the rewards? There is nothing more satisfying than working hard to create something that works extraordinarily well, and that our clients love using. And that is what we’ve created with Capstar. The other major reward is being able to employ fellow veterans. The more successful we are, the more veterans we can hire. At least here in the UK, Capstar is a very British brand – how does that translate to New York? The British are well known for quality and standards of service. These are the same standards that we apply at Capstar in New York, and I think luxury brand quality translates well in any market. What sets Capstar apart from the rest? This is a crowded market, in which consumers have a lot of choice and the convenience of new technologies. New York doesn’t need just another car service, it needs a car service
that does the simple things extremely well. We are deliberately positioned at the premium end of the market, aiming to serve business leaders and private clients who demand the very best. Capstar provides those clients with an impeccable level of performance and, because of our fundamental military qualities, they can be assured of an immaculate, discreet and trustworthy service every time. What’s next for Capstar? We’re planning to add helicopters and security services in New York, and we’ll be expanding to Washington DC early next year. Casey Martinez is the CEO of Capstar's US operations. Capstar is pleased to offer Victor members a preferential rate in New York and London when booking ground transfers and quoting “Victor". capstarchauffeurs.com
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FLY SMARTER The perfect supplement to fractional ownership and pre-paid cards, Victor makes business jet travel easier and faster – on demand THEN AND NOW Airbnb Business Travel and Uber for Business are just two examples of how the smartphone revolution has upended the corporate world – and Victor for Business is the next. Now your business jet can be booked at the touch of a button or the click of a mouse, with no middlemen, no collating quotes, and no hidden charges – on a system that’s fully accountable and totally transparent.
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THE FLIGHT DEPARTMENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS The Victor app and flyvictor.com bring only the best pre-vetted operators direct to you, at the touch of a button.
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E ON DEMAND
And with a totally transparent pricing structure – the price you see is the price you pay – corporate decision-making becomes cleaner, quicker and more cost-efficient. EASY TO SHARE Share quotes with passengers, stakeholders and decision-makers with a swipe or a click – and get from A to B easier and faster than ever before. Fly Victor and see how the future looks, today.
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CUT COSTS Victor’s flat-rate, on-demand pricing structure is the next step in business jet charter: we can deliver the guaranteed aircraft reliability and same high level of service as pre-paid cards or fractional ownership far more cost-effectively.
GO ANYWHERE Victor’s smart technology can minimize or eliminate positioning costs, making anything from point-to-point one-ways to multi-legs and round-trips more efficient than ever before.
STAY SAFE Our operators are pre-vetted and ARG/ US safety-rated – and with a wide choice of aircraft available and easily identified by tail number, you’re always connected and in control.
ADD ON Hedge against paying more for your existing business jet travel with our instant-estimate pricing tool: with no membership fees or upfront commitments, finding supplemental lift has never been easier.
AIM HIGH Victor’s highly experienced flight planning teams span the globe, providing an expert operations service that has your business – and the world – covered.
VICTOR FOR BUSINESS
SAVE TIME With Victor, there’s no need to spend time calling the broker network or collating and comparing quotes: on our app and at flyvictor.com, you can see side-by-side jet and operator information, and independent safety audit ratings, in minutes.
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GOOD REASONS TO FLY VICTOR FOR BUSINESS
Whether your company already owns aircraft or prefers to charter jets on demand, the Victor model serves a wide range of businesses. Here are the top 10 reasons why corporate customers are increasingly choosing Victor:
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1 Simplicity Easy to book on-demand flights to supplement current set-up
6 Social Club Victor membership for executive assistants and travel bookers
2 Safety Pre-vetted and ARG/US world-leading operators
7 Secure Absolute discretion, always
3 Support Expert flight planning teams on hand 24/7
8 Service VIP concierge available
4 Streamlined No corporate membership fees 5 Savings Save up to 50% on the cost of fractional ownership and jet cards
9 Selection At least three independent quotes per flight to comply with procurement policies, plus pricematch guarantee 10 Surety Protect against unforeseen events with mechanical insurance included
FLEXIBLE TO FIT The nature of business means that even the best-laid plans can change at a moment’s notice. Victor for Business is designed with flexibility in mind, to give you the competitive advantage. From a short hop to a long tour, email business@flyvictor.com to discuss your individual requirements – and get back to business with Victor.
The on-demand economy is changing how we do business, and the companies that can adapt the fastest are the ones that will prosper Victor founder and CEO Clive Jackson
> Everything you need to fly, all in a single app.
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Easy to share the itinerary with your passengers.
Directions to your private departure terminal from wherever you are.
F LYVICTO R.C O M / BUSIN E SS ON DEMAND
Instant notification of any updates to your schedule.
44 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E I N F I N I T I L A B S H KG
DRIVING EFFICIENCY Victor’s founder and CEO Clive Jackson explains why doing business in Hong Kong is – literally – streets ahead
advice and telling their own stories. With a wealth of international business experience and no fewer than 14 startups under his belt, the Hong Kongborn and UK-educated Jackson was keen to “perhaps bring something back to the colony”.
Clive Jackson is buzzing with enthusiasm about the prospects for business in the Far East. Having just returned from Hong Kong, where he was invited to speak at the automotive brand Infiniti’s new concept space, Jackson has been paying close attention to the city’s transformation into the region’s major tech hub.
In partnership with Invest HK and StartmeupHK, and the start-up incubator Nest, Infiniti hopes to spearhead a movement that will see Hong Kong become the go-to city in the region for innovative business, according to Jackson. Through its Accelerator programme, the carmaker has invited eight new companies to develop their vision under its wing, with help and inspiration from veterans including the Victor founder. From FFG Design, which is developing a generator to produce electricity by cooling the surrounding air, to Green City Solutions, which aims to reduce pollution on our streets, each
Infiniti Lab HKG was founded to empower the city’s entrepreneurs by turning ideas into action – and a big part of that involves the Speaker Series, which invites business leaders from around the world to inspire Hong Kong’s start-up community by offering
start-up puts technology at the core of its offering. So what is it about Hong Kong that inspires this can-do attitude? For Jackson, a large part of it comes down to a forward-thinking government that understands what businesses need to get on with what they do best: create. “They recognised the importance of driving efficiency in terms of how people move about and access information, and they’ve been phenomenally successful at doing it,” he says. “Transport and communication are key, and the city’s legislative council has the desire and the motivation to make things happen in an intelligent way. Hong Kong has the feel of a smart city.” This is only the third time Jackson has returned to his birth city since 1978, and he admits to being stunned at the progress it’s made. “I’ve been amazed
With all this in mind, what are the chances of opening a Victor office in Hong Kong? Right now, Jackson is musing on the possibility of building a local presence to serve the region. “Can we export the Victor model of total transparency and full disclosure to the growing demand for jets over there?” he wonders. As the Infiniti Labs project proves, smart cities need smart technology – so it might just be the perfect fit.
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Opposite page: Using a smart, eco-friendly hybrid powertrain, the Q80 Inspiration concept is Infiniti's first foray into the premium sedan category. Above top: Accelerator teams share their learning with each other.
infiniti-hklab.com
Above: Victor founder and CEO Clive Jackson talking about smart technology as part of the Infiniti Speaker Series.
THOUGHT LEADER
In Hong Kong, on the other hand, Jackson believes “there is a will and a desire by government to remove the impediments to success” – whether that’s incentivising local landowners to put communication masts on their land or encouraging entrepreneurialism by removing red tape. The Mass Transit Railway’s Express Rail Link, which operates at up to 124mph (200km/h) in Hong Kong, is just one example of the scale of the investment the city has undertaken – and the city fathers’ understanding of what businesses need to thrive. It’s also why Infiniti has chosen to make Hong Kong its global HQ – the only major automotive brand in the world to do so. Like Michael Dan Mossinsohn, the founder of FFG Design,
says, “We need smart cities because we are not separate individuals, and all our needs are very interconnected.” Interconnection – building relationships and being part of a business community – is something Jackson feels strongly about. Rather than an event to simply deliver a lecture, for him the Infiniti Speaker Series was an opportunity to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in, and to form an emotional attachment to the programme and its participants. It’s an exciting moment in Hong Kong’s development as a tech hub, and for the way smart tech and early-stage tech are interacting with established companies.
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at the transformation Hong Kong has gone through,” he says, referring to the proliferation of tunnels transporting commuters and visitors under Victoria Harbour and out onto the mainland. “And you can still access fast wifi.” This is in stark contrast to our conversation, which takes place over the phone while Jackson is making his way by car down to Goodwood in West Sussex – the connection drops out a good dozen times. “You can’t imagine the impact on productivity to local businesses: there’s no way I could conduct a conference call here,” he says.
ONE CENTURY IN A DECANTER
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d l or W
f o top
e h T
On
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E T H E WO R L D
Pamela Conover is the CEO of The World, the only residential cruise ship of its kind. She explains how to provide first-class service afloat, and what it’s like to live on board the largest private mega-yacht on Earth
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INDUSTRY INSIDER
Y
ou’ve spent most of your career in the cruise industry. Is that the result of a happy accident or were you always drawn to the sea? I actually started my career in banking. After being transferred from London to New York I became the assistant treasurer for a steamship company, which is what led me into the cruise industry. I was lucky because I made the move just when it was really starting to expand. What is it about living on board that people find so popular do you think? Our Residents are attracted to the ship because of the unique lifestyle and one-of-a-kind experiences. They travel the globe to some of the most remote locales on earth without ever leaving home, and every few days they wake up to a new and interesting port of call. They’re able to step outside their front
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door and immerse themselves in the local culture, cuisine, wine, history and nature, and return home at the end of the day to sleep in their own bed surrounded by their own furniture, photos, art and family. Residents also value their friendships on board and the community at large – it’s a very welcoming atmosphere. How does providing a luxury hospitality experience differ when you’re afloat and on the move compared to, say, a hotel on Central Park? Our crew prides itself on providing “best of the best” products, services and amenities. They know each Resident’s preferences, from how they take their morning coffee or tea, to the type of ground transportation they prefer when exploring a destination, to how they like their refrigerator stocked
when they return to the ship following an extended stay onshore. Our crew does a great job of “bringing the destination alive” on board in a variety of ways. For example, our Food & Beverage Team will research and serve local food and wines, frequently venturing into farmer’s markets near the ship. And our Enrichment Team will invite regional experts to lecture on art and culture, the environment, history and politics. Music is another dynamic way to present a country’s heritage, like the bachata musicians who performed on board in the Dominican Republic and the tango dancers we saw in Buenos Aires. Local dance workshops are always popular too. Seeing as we’re always on the move, the biggest difference between The World and a land-based property are
VICTO R M AGA ZIN E T H E WO R L D
the logistics. Whereas a boutique hotel will use the same suppliers from week to week, we are challenged with getting provisions to the ship no matter where in the world she happens to be – and we will not sacrifice quality based on our location. Through good planning, logistics and organisation, we ensure that the finest products our Residents are used to enjoying are on board at all times – whether it’s a Resident’s favourite ice cream, fresh blueberries or a much-loved flower. How do you get the best from your colleagues? You start by hiring the best qualified people for the job, you have clearly defined goals, and you work collaboratively, giving them all the support and resources they need to achieve.
What would be your dream itinerary, and why? That’s a tough question but my favourite is always the one we are currently on. The World has truly experienced the most incredible itineraries of any ship I have ever known. They are never the same, and each year we introduce new maiden ports. She has literally been all over the world several times over, and has explored all seven continents. We are headed to Antarctica later this year with an optional overland journey to the South Pole – a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure. We’ve also had a record-breaking voyage through Canada’s Northwest Passage, where Residents flew to the top of a glacier by helicopter to be welcomed with caviar, champagne and hot chocolate. We’ve had Residents see wild horses on Easter Island, watch a Baining fire dance in Papua New Guinea, meet orang-utans in Eastern Borneo, stand on the rim of an active volcano, and even dine with a king in Bali.
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The Residents of The World are from 19 different cultures: how does that inform life on board? The World is certainly a melting pot of cultures, which serves to enrich the entire community. Residents enjoy sharing their experiences and contacts, and often get involved in the planning of the ship’s visit to their home country: they will assist our crew by recommending destination experiences, art galleries, museums, boutiques, restaurants, and special hidden places that only locals would know about. Some even host dinners
and special events at their homes on land for fellow Residents and our crew – they are very generous that way.
And finally, can you sail a boat? Yes, if it’s less than 20 feet in length! aboardtheworld.com
Previous spread: The World drops anchor in Hong Kong. This spread: Sailing up the Garonne en route to Bordeaux. Inset top: Taking in the sights from the deck. Inset middle: Musical chairs. Inset bottom: Wine vaults ensure the right pairing for every palate.
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VICTO R M AGA ZIN E SCOPE
this F
Fifteen years later, SCOPE is celebrated as the premier showcase for international emerging contemporary art and multidisciplinary creative programming. With fairs in Basel, New York and Miami, SCOPE has much
to celebrate. In 2015, 118 exhibitors from 22 countries and 57 cities were on show at the SCOPE pavilion on the sands of Ocean Drive, welcoming 45,000 visitors over the course of six days. Perhaps because of the way it started, SCOPE has always done things differently. Rather than polished concrete floors in big white boxes, a SCOPE Art Show promises a multidisciplinary experience that’s not just restricted to what’s hanging on the walls. “We showed the Scissor Sisters before anyone knew who they were,” Hubshman says of the BRIT Awardwinning glam-pop-rock group. “We created this black-sheep, rough-edged fair,” which was all about “keeping the edges authentic and sincere”. In between running SCOPE, Hubshman also finds the time to indulge his other
passions, which include carpentry: “I’m a handyman type of guy,” he says. Still, it all feeds into each other, and he admits to taking an active role in the laying and painting of the floors in his pavilions. Rough-edged in spirit his fairs may be but the production values are another matter entirely, as befits his training as an architect. “I believe in the science of doing things well,” he says of the warmth bestowed by the furniture-grade wood underfoot. “It’s the secret spice in all our fairs.” Having developed organically, Hubshman sees SCOPE as the culmination of his various disciplines: from architecture to business, painting and promoting, he admits to being “obsessively involved in all the layers – for better or worse”. Judging by the figures – 1.2 million visitors, 75 fairs and cumulative sales 300 million dollars – obsessive works.
ART
Images: SCOPE
or Alexis Hubshman, launching an art fair was never part of his masterplan. As a graduate of Bard College, he then studied architecture at the Glasgow School of Art and only turned to helping other artists and galleries to show their work when he found that the things he liked about the art world – discovering new artists, smaller galleries, and creative engagement – were hard to come by. “I was a gallerista, a little guy who could have opened a coffee shop,” Hubshman says. “There needed to be an art fair for small enterprising galleries, so we created SCOPE to open the field up to new and emerging collectors.”
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Alexis Hubshman is the founder and president of SCOPE, the world’s largest emerging art fair. He explains how he went from gallerista to global player, and why bike-riding bears have their place
Wherever SCOPE plants its flag, the focus is on being an active part of the cultural landscape. “We’re not a travelling circus, we try to work in a location,” Hubshman says. “I do like bike-riding bears, don’t get me wrong, but a big part of what we do at SCOPE is about creative engagement.” What that translates to is working alongside partners that also put supporting the arts at the top of their agenda. Miami’s proximity to Cuba and its people means the Florida fair is heavily influenced by this particular part of the Caribbean – and its vibrant art scene. What animates Hubshman about Cuba is the “political energy and magical realism – there’s a real gravitas to it”. The country’s history lends its artists a unique perspective, and much of the work he’s discovered there is agendadriven and purposeful. After all, he believes, art “is meant to change things”.
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In upstate New York and independent of SCOPE, Hubshman is changing the physical landscape as well as people’s perspectives: he is buying a swathe of farmland on which he plans to build a large modern barn housing a print shop and a set of studios. In time, he wants to create workspaces and offer residencies for artists to spend a few months of uninterrupted creativity. Referring to it in a self-deprecating manner as “glamorous camping”, it’s all about investing in the creation of art rather than the end product: “That’s much more interesting to me,” he says by way of explaining the project – and SCOPE’s mission as a cultural engineer. “The phrase, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’? It’s the same principle,” he says.
Being the first to discover is at the heart of the SCOPE experience. It was at the Miami Art Week opening party that VICTOR launched its “Art of Curated Travel” series – and direct flights to Cuba from 19 US cities in conjunction with exclusive itineraries
get there first, in other words – is key. “I can’t tell you how many deals would have gone better that way,” he grins. For now, though, it’s Cuba and the opportunities for cultural engagement that are exciting him. “For us it means
“Political energy and magical realism – there’s a real gravitas to it” by the Havana-based Cuba Educational Travel (CET). Victor’s direct flights to Cuba are the first of their kind from any jet service, and the partnership with CET is designed to celebrate Cuban art and the vibrant culture of the island.
finding someone who isn’t well known, and the thrill of smaller galleries taking bigger chances. On some level it’s patronage and gravitas and capturing the zeitgeist. It’s a focused commitment to support an emerging artist.”
According to Hubshman, educational tourism is not the only way that flying privately can service the art world. It also helps in a business context: “It’s one thing to meet someone on Skype and another thing to meet them in person, eyeball to eyeball,” he says. For him, the importance of information, and the ability to act on it – the ability to
Whether his artists are from Cuba or Canberra, there’s one thing they all have in common: “Artists are passionate people,” he says. The next SCOPE Art Show will be in New York, which runs during the Armory Show from 3rd to 6th March 2016. scope-art.com
Previous spread: Alex Hernandez Duenas, 'Bait' no 16. This spread, clockwise from top left: Jorge Otero, untitled (part of the War Hero series); Adrian Fernandez, 'Citrus Sinensis, Anona Musicata, Pouter Sapota (part of the Requiem series); Adrian Fernandez, untitled no 33; Hugo Orlandini, 'Victoria'.
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A programme of highly experiential, curated happenings, “The Art of Curated Travel� series will introduce Victor members to fascinating destinations and immerse them in different cultures around the world. The series provides Victor members with exclusive access to art and culture events including private cocktail receptions, intimate concerts, one-of-a-kind dinners, cigar and rum tastings with cigar experts and master distillers, and upscale hotel and private home accommodations. In partnership with Havana-based Cuba Educational Travel, Victor is the first private jet charter service to offer direct flights with curated cultural experiences to Cuba. E-mail membersusa@flyvictor.com or call +1 877 275 9336 to find out more.
F LYVICTO R.C O M SCOPE
THE ART OF CURATED TRAVEL BY VICTOR
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VICTO R M AGA ZIN E FURS CLASS
F LYVICTO R.C O M FURS CLASS
FLY VICTOR, WHOEVER YOU ARE
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Whether you’re a pampered pooch, a happy holidaymaker or a man on a mission, choose Victor and get quotes in seconds, totally transparent pricing, and your aircraft ready for take-off within three hours. Go to flyvictor.com or download the app from the Apple App Store and fly furs class.
FURS CLASS
ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY We are an award-winning luxury tour operator, creating tailor-made holidays to incredible destinations all over the world. We can arrange an escape to an exotic beach with private picnics and yoga classes overlooking the turquoise sea or perhaps a sunset sail to nearby islands, with a chilled gin and tonic in hand. And we know everyone is different and understand that what might be a highlight for one guest, to another would be something best avoided. We listen to you, so we understand exactly what you like, then craft a holiday around your personal preferences, whether it’s scuba diving, exceptional dining or a heavenly spa. Soneva Kiri, Thailand
To start planning your luxury holiday today, visit scottdunn.com or call on 020 8682 5000
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VICTO R M AGA ZIN E E T I H A D A 3 80
VICTOR WITH ETIHAD
Fly in The Residence, the world's only three-room cabin on a commercial airline, or one of nine First Apartments onboard Etihad Airways' reimagined Airbus A380s to Abu Dhabi, London, New York and Sydney – plus Melbourne and Mumbai from 2016. Book your entire trip using the Victor app and seamlessly connect your onward journey by private jet with Victor
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COOL, CALM & CONNECTED
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Living Room:
Bedroom:
60.4in wide wide two-seater reclining sofa, upholstered by Poltrona Frau
82in long, 47.5in wide double bed, upholstered by Poltrona Frau
Electronic seat controls and in-seat massage function Retractable ottoman, upholstered by Poltrona Frau, with built-in carry-on stowage Chilled refreshments cabinet in ottoman Dual 23in x 19in dining tables with custom marquetry 62 VICTO R M AGA ZIN E E T I H A D A 3 80
32in TV screen with dual controls and noise-cancelling headsets Full-height 64in sliding doors Feature lighting Custom-designed carpets Three design/colour schemes, featuring unique upholstery, table marquetry and custom carpets will be introduced across the A380 fleet
Ensuite Bathroom: Full-height shower Toilet Vanity unit with magnifying make-up-mirror Hairdryer
Storage space under bed Side table with integrated drawer Headboard with reading lights and ambient lights Backlit fretwork walls and signature projection light 27in TV screen with dual noise-cancelling headsets Full-length wardrobe
Manufacturer:
B/E Aerospace
Configuration:
Three-room suite design for up to two guests travelling together
Space:
125sq ft featuring a living room, a separate bedroom and an en-suite bathroom
Service:
Etihad Butler
5-star dining by inflight chef
Custom menus on request
Luxury bed linen, amenities and shower products
Complimentary loungewear
Luxury chauffeur transfers 63 F LYVICTO R.C O M E T I H A D A 3 80
Living Room: 30.3in wide reclining armchair upholstered by Poltrona Frau with electronic controls and in-seat massage function 23in x 19in dining table (extendable to 24in x 26in to allow two guests to dine together) Full-length ottoman upholstered by Poltrona Frau Decorative lighting Ottoman converts into 80.5in long, 26in wide bed 64
Storage space under ottoman
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Chilled refreshments cabinet 24in TV screen with noise-cancelling headsets Vanity cabinet with lit make-up mirror Full-height 64in high sliding door Six First Apartments have dividers that can be opened to create double-adjoining apartments First Class bathroom with full-height shower, toilet, vanity cabinet and hairdryer
New
Previous
Area:
5612sq in
3225sq in (777)
seat:
30.3in wide
bed:
80.5in long (separate)
80.5in long
IFE:
24in screen
23in screen
Manufacturer:
B/E Aerospace
Configuration:
Nine First Apartments configured 1-1 across single aisle
Space:
39sq ft featuring a separate seat and bed
Service:
5-star dining by inflight chef
Turn-down service with luxury all-natural mattress and bed linen
Complimentary loungewear
Amenity kit containing exclusive products by Le Labo
Luxury shower amenities and bath linen
22in in seat/28in in bed (777)
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Cessna Citation XLS+
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COMPARE & CONTRAST Just like us, private jets come in all shapes and sizes. Victor’s Customer Account Manager Ludwig Janson looks at two perennial favourites
CESSNA CITATION XLS+ vs EMBRAER PHENOM 300
W
ith its stand-up cabin and longer range, it’s no surprise the Citation XLS+ has become the world’s best-selling business jet – and a popular choice among Victor members. Its large luggage compartment makes it an ideal aircraft for the ski season, as it easily accommodates six pairs of skis with soft bags or four pairs with medium-sized suitcases (25kg per suitcase). The Phenom 300 first entered the market in 2009, since when it has
become one of the more popular aircraft in its class. Compared to the Citation, the Phenom is a clean-sheet design, and Embraer has done an excellent job with improved aerodynamics and a more streamlined look.
aligned with the seating configuration offer a sense of space, even though it is not a stand-up cabin. Another key feature is the folding staircase, which is rare on a Super Light Jet and makes passenger access much easier. (One can also be found on the Citation XLS+.)
The Phenom 300 has excellent takeoff performance, making it great for a quick hop to shorter runways in the Alps or La Môle in St Tropez with more than two passengers (it's slightly faster too). A brand-new BMW Designworks interior and larger windows directly
Another development in the Phenom is the flat floor in the luggage compartment, making it easier to stack suitcases, skis and other bulky sports equipment. The hold in the Citation is made up of levels but there is more space overall.
Embraer Phenom 300
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Embraer Phenom 300
Type of aircraft
Super Light Jet
Super Light Jet
Range with 4 passengers
03h 30min
03h 15min
Number of seats
6 individual seats + 2-seater sofa
6/7 individual seats
Cabin height
5’8” / 1.73m
4’8” / 1.42m
Cabin width
5’6” / 1.68m
4’9” / 1.45m
Length
18’6” / 5.64m
14’1” / 4.29m
Luggage space
90ft / 2.55m
79ft3 / 2.24m3
Speed
500mph / 800kph
521mph / 839kh
Takeoff length
3,560ft
3,138ft
Best for
A week’s skiing with all the family
A quick weekend on the slopes with two couples
3
3
CONCLUSION: LUDWIG’S LOWDOWN Both aircraft are ideal for a getaway to the slopes, and share many of the same characteristics. So, if it’s a week’s skiing with all the family, I’d go for the Citation – but if it’s a quick weekend with two pairs of adults then the Phenom gets my vote.
TECH SPEC
Cessna Citation XLS+
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The founder and owner of Iceland’s Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel, Sigurlaug Sverisdóttir has created a place to stay that’s as much about the outside as the inside
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DESIGN
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aving single-handedly introduced the boutique hotel to Iceland, Sigurlaug Sverisdóttir now finds herself in demand as a speaker around the world. When the Ion opened two years ago, there was nothing else like it in the country, which allowed her the freedom to design the property from the ground up.
friends. “They do very nice things but they don’t do it cheaply,” she adds. It shows: what started life as an isolated government building is now Iceland’s leading luxury hotel. “Building on lava is not easy. There’s a lot of energy in the ground – hence the name Ion,” she explains. Digging
“Building on lava is not easy. There’s a lot of energy in the ground – hence the name Ion” A champion of luxury sustainability, everything – from the ingredients in the restaurant to the toiletries in the bathroom – is locally sourced, and a neighbouring geothermal plant powers the hotel. Previous spread: The Ion sits at the foot of a (dormant) volcano. Above left: Founder and owner Sigurlaug Sverisdóttir. Above right: The hotel is located next to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Even the building’s designers, a couple based in Los Angeles, are Icelandic. “As soon as we got them involved in the project, there was no way out,” she says of the pair, who are also childhood
down to lay the foundations for the poles that hold up the cantilevered structure, they discovered that “eight metres down, we already had steam”. Located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge smack in between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the construction is reinforced to withstand whatever nature throws at it. “If we have an earthquake in Iceland, this is the building I want to be inside,” she says.
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Part of Europe's largest national park, the Vatnajรถkull glacier ice cave is just one example of Iceland's reputation for extreme tourism
DETAILS: Dialling code +354 Airport code Reykjavík (RKV) Currency Icelandic króna (ISK)
64°08’36.2”N 21°15’06.3”W
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Styled as a “Luxury Adventure Hotel”, the Ion is an hour by road from Reykjavík’s Keflavík International Airport. Another option is a short but thrilling helicopter ride, which offers passengers a fast-track preview of the stunning landscapes the island is famous for. “We have a lot of helicopters landing here,” she says, gesturing to a space next to the restaurant. “Land here, go straight to the bar and get a drink.” The hotel itself sits at the foot of a (dormant) volcano and is surrounded by natural springs, immersing guests in the otherworldly beauty Iceland is famous for. Located next to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, each of the property’s rooms boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views over the lava fields and, when the time is right, of the Northern Lights (guests receive a phone call to their room alerting them).
It’s this combination of nature and design that’s at the heart of Sverisdóttir’s concept. “Everything you see outside the hotel? Bring it in,” she states simply. A lot of the property’s furniture was designed in LA by the same architects responsible for the building, and then made in Iceland using local, mostly natural, and often recycled materials. It’s a new interpretation of luxury that’s perfectly in keeping with our 21st-century ideals. “We try to be as true as possible,” she says. Food, too, is another area that Sverisdóttir is using to put Iceland on the map. In the middle of an expansion that will include adding the 12-seater, set menu, one seating per night Wilderness Dining Experience to the original restaurant, she has recently hired two of the country’s leading chefs. “I’m trying to hide them,” she says of her in-demand employees. Icelandic food follows a Nordic sensibility, in
which “everything is clean, fresh, just the land and the fish”. At the moment “the boys are testing some of the courses”, including heating up lava rocks and then cooking lobster on them as they’re brought to your table. It’s delicious, and daring: the chefs are trying to work out how to cut down on the smoke a technique like this produces. “Lava rocks get very hot. These are the small things you have to think about,” she says with typical can-do attitude.
Above: The views from the hotel are designed to bring the outside in. Right: The Ion is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Next spread: At 100 metres wide and with a drop of 45 metres, the Detifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park is thought to be Europe's most powerful.
How do the Northern Lights light up?
Also known as the Aurora Borealis, Galileo thought the Northern Lights were due to sunlight reflecting from the atmosphere and named them after Aurora, the Roman goddess of morning.
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When a stream of electrically charged particles (or electrons) is thrown off the sun’s surface as a “solar wind” and enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it distorts its magnetic field. The heavenly glow that results is rather like what happens to the gas inside a fluorescent tube.
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fter the financial crisis, Icelanders stopped travelling so much outside their country and rediscovered the joys of home, Sverisdóttir explains. From fishing and skiing to snowmobiling and – the latest craze – mountain biking, much of life is lived among the elements: “Islanders you know? Crazy,” she says of her compatriots’ addiction to highenergy hobbies. The music scene is booming, too, and the Ion also acts as an offshoot of the Airwaves festival every November.
With various projects on the go, including 12 new Northern Lights suites with individual hot tubs, the Wilderness restaurant, and a greenhouse in which to grow Nordic herbs and tomatoes, there is plenty to do. Surrounded by new plans and new people, there’s a lot of energy in Sverisdóttir as well as in the ground her hotel is built on. Iceland, it seems, is heating up.
ioniceland.is
Surrounded by its marvelous scene,
THE OMNIA,
remain never to be forgotten. Join our place on the rock with the Matterhorn as your neighbour. This is THE OMNIA.
THE OMNIA, Zermatt – Switzerland, Phone +41 27 966 71 71, www.the-omnia.com
On a high While skiing certainly has its place, there is plenty more on offer up at the top this season. Victor takes a look at the options, and locates the best airports to make your trip to the top smoother than fresh powder
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SWITZERLAND: ST MORITZ SNOW POLO WORLD CUP Famous as the location of the Cresta Run and two Winter Olympics (in 1928 and 1948), sporting endeavour is taken as seriously as après-ski in Switzerland’s most glamorous oldschool resort. But it’s not the 218 miles (350km) of downhill skiing or the 88 individual pistes that are the focus of attention this time round: swap the slippery slopes for the frozen lake as the Snow Polo World Cup rolls into town on January 29th. Accompanied by 25,000 spectators and four teams in competition for the prestigious Cartier Trophy, ice-skating horses have never looked better. WHO GOES? Swarthy Latin American types and a healthy dose of Mitteleuropa. WHEN IS IT? 29-31 January 2016. WHICH AIRPORT? Samedan (SMV) is about 8 minutes (10 in rush hour) by car. snowpolo-stmoritz.com engadin-airport.ch
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PURSUITS
USA: POWDER MOUNTAIN SUMMIT SERIES Located between Eden and Paradise, Utah, in the Wasatch Mountains, a forward-thinking band of entrepreneurs is building a brandnew great American mountain town for the modern age. With a mission to establish a place focused on “innovation, entrepreneurship, arts, and altruism”, the 10,000-acre site will be the permanent home of the Summit Series community – a diverse group of “entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders who believe that business and collaboration are tools that should be used to affect positive impact in the world”.
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Based around the idea that “architecture is subservient to the natural landscape”, the development is nestled in between six peaks and within easy reach of Utah’s five national parks. It’s blue-sky thinking – in every sense. WHO GOES? The enlightened. WHEN IS IT? All year round if you buy a plot here. WHICH AIRPORT? Salt Lake City (SLC) is about 1 hour by car. summitpowdermountain.com slcairport.com
SLOVENIA: TRIGLAV NATIONAL PARK SPLENDID ISOLATION
Conceived by Ofis Architects and the Harvard Graduate School of Design, it was transported by helicopter courtesy of the Slovenian Army and assembled with help from the country’s Mountain Rescue Association. Able to withstand extreme weather, radical temperature shifts and rugged terrain, the structure is designed to be avalanche-proof – as well as easy on the eye. WHO GOES? The intrepid. WHEN IS IT? Whenever you fancy a break from your smartphone.
Photo: Janez Martincic
WHICH AIRPORT? Ljubljana (LUJ) is about 30 minutes by car. tnp.si/national_park lju-airport.si
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There’s getting away from it all and then there’s the Skuta Alpine Shelter. Located towards the top of the mountain bearing the same name in Slovenia’s Triglav national park, this redesigned bivouac is designed to provide up to eight weary mountaineers with respite from the elements.
SWITZERLAND: DAVOS WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM ANNUAL MEETING
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Attracting the 2,500 biggest names in business, politics, academia and the arts, the WEF’s yearly get-together adds stardust to any Excel sheet. Now in its 46th year, 2016’s theme of “mastering the fourth industrial revolution” will be discussed in over 250 sessions by the likes of Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella. “We must have a comprehensive and globally shared understanding of how technology is changing our lives and that of future generations, transforming the economic, social, ecological and cultural contexts in which we live,” says Klaus Schwab, the organisation’s founder and executive chairman. With a mission to improve the state of the world, this is a high-level affair – in every sense.
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WHO GOES? World leaders, captains of industry and the odd pop star. WHEN IS IT? 20-23 January 2016. WHICH AIRPORT? St Gallen (ACH) is about 1.5 hours by car. weforum.org/events/ world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2016 airport-stgallen.com
INDIA: UTTARAKHAND SAFARI
Set in 6.5 acres, the development includes 18 round cottages, two premium round cottages with indoor plunge pools, two treehouses, and seven sets of villas with private gardens and outdoor living spaces. Breathtaking views of the mountainous countryside come as standard, making it the perfect environment for reflecting on a day spent spotting wild elephants and the mighty Bengal tiger. WHO GOES? It could be you.
Photo: Virendera Shekhawa
WHEN IS IT? Open all year round – but why wait? WHICH AIRPORT? Pantnagar (PGH) is about 2 hours by car (but quicker by helicopter). theparkhotels.com aai.aero/allAirports/pantnagar_generalinfo.jsp
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The recently opened Park Corbett is the latest brainchild from Priya Paul’s Park Hotels group. Close to the entrance of the Jim Corbett National Park, the boutique property combines high-end hospitality with the feel of a local nature reserve. “The majority of our hotels are in cities across India and it is exciting to grow the collection into more off-thebeaten-track leisure destinations,” says Paul.
Luxury on the move For the best luxury charters on the best yachts in the best locations speak to Burgess. The superyacht superagents.
SEANNA The sensational 65m (213.3ft) SEANNA is available for charter seasonally in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean from Burgess as Worldwide Central Agents.
40 YEARS OF SUPERYACHT LEADERSHIP 1975-2015
LONDON
+44 20 7766 4300
MONACO
+377 97 97 81 21
NEW YORK
+1 212 223 0410
MIAMI
+1 305 672 0150
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+65 8223 2139
MOSCOW | PALMA | ATHENS | LOS ANGELES | SEATTLE | HONG KONG | TOKYO
ENQUIRIES@BURGESSYACHTS.COM
WWW.BURGESSYACHTS.COM
perusal for your
Swap skis for South America and go off the beaten track this season
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ot all mountains come snow-capped this winter. With five properties (and even a train) in Peru, the luxury travel company Belmond offers the intrepid adventurer something a little different for the holidays. Including the Belmond Miraflores Park in Lima, the Belmond Monasterio in Cusco, and the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu – the only hotel next to the world’s most famous Inca citadel – the company's properties are chosen for their uniqueness, ranging from a 17th-century convent to the height of urban modernity. Those who like to keep things moving can shuttle between Cusco and Machu Picchu in the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train, which is a destination in its own right, and take in the sweeping vistas of the mighty Andes en route. With inspiring destinations and customisable itineraries, the options to explore this fascinating country are as varied as the visitors it attracts. belmond.com
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CLOSING SHOT
AIR WAYS
With over 7,000 aircraft ready for charter around the globe, we can fly your entire boardroom non-stop from New York to Moscow or your family as close to the door of your Tuscan villa as it’s possible to get. Wherever you are in the world, flying with Victor keeps your options open
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ATR 42, ATR 72-500, DIAMOND DA42, EMBRAER 120, KING AIR 90, KING AIR 200, KING AIR 350, PILATUS PC-12,** SENECA V
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