NEXUS Flight Operations Services keeps a flexible approach to cabin crew employment. "For example, if we have the full operation of a vip aircraft then we employ permanent crew, however sometimes there are family owned aircraft which hire their own crew," says vip cabin service design manager Aylin Sunacoglu.

"When unexpected things come up we would employ free-lance crew, usually recommended by word of mouth or an agency."

She believes there are three big challenges in vip operations, these being immediate duty calls, catering and long duty hours. "Normally we give a schedule to our crew involving eight weeks on, four weeks off. During the 'on' period they can be called out for duty at any time, but of course in reality we can't tell them to do nothing during this eight weeks.

"Catering can be a disaster. Some places or destinations that we fly might not be capable of good catering units as well as not speaking English well.

"And duty hours can be long, involving long periods away from home. But I can bet you never bump into a vip cabin crew who does not adore shopping.

"For immediate calls a smart team should always divide up the shopping, away from the accommodation. So if there is an immediate call I always make sure there is at least one crew member who can go to the aircraft before the others."

Owner vacation flights are the best, she says, especially if they involve a week in the south of France. But it is not necessarily a job she would recommend to a friend.

"Flying is like a disease, once it's in your blood its so hard to take it away. It has lots of benefits, seeing different places, knowing different cultures. However it's hard to settle down in this business, it requires a patient, trustworthy partner, and sometimes we shouldn't even mention our whereabouts to anyone. Being discreet is so important. So, if anybody asks for my recommendation I'd make sure I talk about the good and bad and let them decide themselves."

– Aylin Sunacoglu, vip cabin service design manager