Palma de Mallorca is growing in popularity amongst the world’s celebrities and elite. Today we are spotlighting Roberto Martinez, a corporate flight attendant based out of Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI / LEPA). Read on to learn more about Roberto, hisexperiences and the town he calls home.
Which aircraft have you flown on during your career?
- Global Express
- G550, G200
- Falcon 900EX
- B717, B737, B747, B757, B767
- A320
- MD80 series
Where did you receive flight attendant training?
FlightSafety in Savannah, Georgia, USA.
When was your last recurrent?
Last year in Emirates Group Academy and CCQ Academy Zürich.
How long have you been a flight attendant?
Over the past 27 years I have spent 18 years as a flight attendant in commercial aviation and 9 years in corporate aviation.
Which business aviation conventions and tradeshows do you attend?
Dubai Air Show.
Which languages do you speak?
I am fluent in English, German and Spanish.
What has been your career highlight so far?
Being an EASA Civil Aviation Examiner for Initial Cabin Crew Members.
What are your favorite destinations?
Dubai, because of its highly-qualified service in hospitality and services. Prague, Vienna and Paris because these cities are like open air museums you can enjoy while on foot.
What are your favorite restaurants?
My favorite restaurants in the world are the Thai Restaurant at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai and the JW Marriott Steakhouse.
What is your favorite food to eat in Palma de Mallorca? Favorite restaurants?
Any kind of our famous signature dish, paella – seafood mix, lobster and scarlet shrimp! I also love the Seafood and Rice from El Bungalow Mallorca, Patxi Steakhouse and Northern Spain’s Cuisine in Basque Country.
What are some things to do that you would suggest for a corporate flight attendant visiting Palma de Mallorca for the first time?
I really recommend having a walk into the old town of the Palma capital. It is stylish, sophisticated, and full of quality living as the best city in the world (2015) to live – according to a survey by the Sunday Times UK.
Any tips for a corporate flight attendant visiting Mallorca for the first time?
Rent a car and discover all Mallorca’s corners by yourself. Sandy beaches await you, like in the Caribbean, with clear and clean waters. Amazing!
What are some in-flight catering challenges you have experienced? How did you overcome them?
Not having any catering onboard except some pastries on a 45 minute flight on a “tea time flight” between 16:15Lt to 17:00Lt. Fortunately, I always have gourmet pantry items onboard for any setback that may occur. I served my signature dish, which is a typical Spanish meal, bull tail stew with mashed potatoes in truffle essence. Previously, I have served red peppers “piquillo style” filled with cod fish and prawns. It was an absolute success!
What made you decide to become a corporate flight attendant?
After 18 years flying on commercial airlines, and after holding different positions within the operations department (such Cabin Crew Trainer, Inflight Supervisor and Cabin Crew Manager), I felt the need to do something more challenging where I could develop all my skills in terms of customer service, which is the prime goal of our career.
What do you feel are important skills for a successful corporate flight attendant?
Being proactive, customer service focused and open-minded with different people, cultures and habits. “Savoir-être savoir faire” (translates to: “beyond knowledge”) at any time knowing how to read nonverbal language so you are always ahead the curve! This is trying to please and anticipate your passengers’ needs so you exceed their expectations in every flight. Discretion and privacy is a must!
What advice would you give someone looking to become a corporate flight attendant?
When you decide to make a step forward into the world of corporate aviation, I would foremost recommend getting properly trained by professionals. Your CV presentation should be focused on private aviation, as well as include proper pictures to stand out from the crowd.
The next time you are looking for a VVIP corporate flight attendant in Palma de Mallorca, contact Roberto Martinez at info@aviacioncorporativa.com.
This article is part of a series of interviews we are conducting with corporate cabin crew members; individuals who are not employed by Air Culinaire Worldwide. If you would like to be considered for an interview, which is posted on our blog and all of our social media accounts, please contact socialmedia@airculinaire.com.
