A Day in Leadership Across Euro Jet’s Operations
What does a typical day in leadership in flight support operations actually look like? To mark International Women’s Day, we asked three of our colleagues – Euro Jet’s Director of Operations, Petra Dlabolova; our Country Manager for Albania and Kosovo, Behare Hallaqi; and our Deputy Handling Manager in Prague, Katerina Kalasova – to hear their perspective. From quick decision-making to team coordination and on-the-spot problem-solving, they shared about the realities behind their job and the skills they rely on most. They also reflected on the often underestimated aspects of their work and what keeps them motivated each day.
Petra Dlabolova: No Such Thing as a Typical Day
What does a typical day in your role as Director of Operations in Euro Jet look like?
Since I lead the Operations and Dispatch team, there is rarely such a thing as a typical day — and that’s exactly what makes the job dynamic and interesting. I usually start with a plan and a schedule of meetings, but both can change quickly as the day unfolds.
While my focus is on compliance, development, process improvements, and long-term operational planning, day-to-day situations sometimes need to take priority. My goal is to make sure the department runs smoothly and that any challenges are handled in a way that doesn’t negatively affect our workflow or our clients.
What is the most underestimated part of your role?
The pressure. Operations is the bridge between all other departments, clients, and vendors, which means we sit right in the middle of everything. The level of responsibility and the complexity that come with that are not always fully recognized.
What skills are critical for getting your job done?
Leadership, strategic thinking, and technical skills.
Technical skills are sometimes underestimated in higher-level positions, but in my view they are essential. Without a solid technical understanding, it is difficult to make the right strategic and business decisions.
What motivates you daily?
It is a combination of several things.
Operations is demanding – anyone who has worked in this field knows that. What motivates me most is seeing team members genuinely enjoy what they do, and especially when their hard work gets recognized. That is when I feel our efforts matter and that we are doing things the right way.
I am also motivated by satisfied customers, the ongoing digitalization of our processes, and maintaining open, transparent relationships with other departments.
And finally, it is the environment itself. Business aviation changes every day, which means we have to stay focused, adapt quickly, and continuously learn. That constant movement keeps me engaged.
Behare Hallaqi: Confidence, Flexibility, and Passion
What does a typical day in your role as Country Manager for Albania and Kosovo look like?
No two days are the same – and that is exactly what I love about it.
Some mornings, I am out on the ramp in my uniform, making sure the aircraft is loaded, baggage is properly placed, everything meets safety standards, and the flight departs on time. It is loud, fast-paced, sometimes freezing cold or extremely hot – but it feels good.
Other parts of my day are spent in meetings, working through operational challenges, supporting my team, and generating or proposing new business leads. One moment I am escorting crew, the next I am discussing long-term plans for the future of our stations. It can be exhausting – but it is never boring.
What is the most underestimated part of your role?
Many people assume that working on the ramp is just physical work or simply observing. But one small mistake can have a severe impact on safety, so the work requires focus, accountability, and serious attention to detail.
Being a woman in this environment also comes with its own challenges. When crew see you, they sometimes assume you cannot load their luggage or drive them to the aircraft. They ask if you are really the one taking them to the aircraft – and in those moments, you feel like you have to prove yourself more. There are times when you walk into a room or onto the ramp and you are the only woman there. But over time, your work speaks for you.
What skills are critical for getting your job done?
Confidence is key, especially on the ramp. You need to listen carefully, stay calm under pressure, and be able to make quick decisions.
Flexibility is just as important. Flights get delayed, weather changes, AOG situations happen – operations can shift within seconds, and you have to adapt just as quickly.
Above all, however, I believe you need passion. If you do not truly love this industry, it is hard to succeed in it.
What motivates you daily?
It is when crew say, “Wow, this was amazing – we didn’t expect such high level of service at this airport.” In those moments, you are not just doing a job. You are representing your country, your people, and your airport in the best possible way.
When all services are completed and the aircraft is ready for departure, they sometimes say, “We wish we had you at every airport. We know we’d be taken care of.” That is when you realize you have done more than just handle a flight – you have created a positive impression and a real experience for your customer.
Katerina Kalasova: Preparation and Coordination Behind the Scenes
What does a typical day in your role as Euro Jet’s Deputy Handling Manager in Prague look like?
There is no such thing as a truly typical day in private aviation handling. I usually start by reviewing the flight schedule, coordinating with the team, and making sure all operational requirements are covered — from crew and passenger services to ground handling arrangements.
My role combines operational oversight on the apron with coordination in the office. I stay in close contact with handling agents, airport authorities, and our internal teams to ensure each flight is handled smoothly, safely, and to the highest standard. Flexibility is key, as priorities can shift at any moment.
What is the most underestimated part of your role?
The most underestimated part is how much preparation and coordination happens behind the scenes. When a flight arrives and everything runs smoothly, it may look effortless – but that is the result of constant communication, anticipating potential issues, and quick decision-making.
As a Deputy Handling Manager, it is not about being visible all the time. It is about making sure everything works when it matters most.
What skills are critical for getting your job done?
Strong organizational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure are absolutely essential. In private aviation, attention to detail makes a real difference because every flight is unique and client expectations are high.
Communication skills, adaptability, and teamwork are just as important. You need to be able to make quick decisions, trust your team, and adjust fast when circumstances change.
What motivates you daily?
What motivates me most are the people I work with and the sense of achievement after a successful operation. Knowing that our team played an important role in delivering a smooth, safe, and high-quality experience for our clients is incredibly rewarding.
I am also motivated by the opportunity to grow, take on responsibility, and contribute to an industry that values professionalism, precision, and trust.
Images: Euro Jet Archive
