We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fatima Alikhan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Fatima, appreciate you joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

“One of the wildest parts of our business? The requests. When you’re in the world of luxury private aviation, especially with celebrity and high-profile clients, you learn quickly that no ask is off-limits.”

We specialize in curating a truly memorable aviation experience, and part of that means saying yes to some pretty outrageous—and often hilarious—customizations.

Catering is where things get especially fun. One touring musician wanted cheeseburgers from Smashburger, fries from KFC, a Bloomin’ Onion from Outback Steakhouse, and coleslaw from Raising Cane’s—all on one flight. That meant coordinating with four restaurants, across two cities, on a tight timeline. Another famous diva client requested jars filled exclusively with blue Skittles. Our flight attendants literally spent the night before the flight separating blue Skittles from hundreds of bags. (They still talk about it.)
Then there was the influencer who wanted to smoke cigars mid-flight. We sourced a specific jet, outfitted it with glass ashtrays, and transformed the cabin into a private cigar lounge in the sky. An A-list actor once called to move his entire departure up by four hours—our crew had to pack and scramble to the airport with almost no notice.

These moments, while chaotic, are also what make this business so exhilarating. We’ve built a reputation on making the impossible happen—and honestly, that’s where the magic is. At the end of the day, it’s about delivering excellence in moments that matter.

Fatima, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been in aviation for 14 years, starting out as a flight attendant and working my way through just about every corner of the industry—flying, recruiting, pilot training, and even lobbying for flight attendant rights on Capitol Hill. Over time, I realized I wanted to create something of my own, something that combined luxury travel with real, personalized service—and also opened doors for others who wanted to break into aviation.

That’s how my private jet charter company was born. We fly high-profile clients and create custom, unforgettable experiences—from over-the-top catering requests to onboard cigar lounges. But we also train and mentor people who want a career in aviation. Whether someone’s looking to fly private or join the industry, we’re here to make it happen.

What sets us apart? We don’t just book flights—we curate moments. I’m proud that we’re not only delivering a high-end service, but also making space for others to grow in a field that’s changed my life. Travel is a gift, and I want to share it with as many people as possible.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Each client is truly special to us, and we treat them that way from the very first interaction. We don’t just provide a flight—we build a relationship. We keep in touch regularly through holidays, major events on the social calendars, and by sending them personalized travel routes and suggestions based on their preferences and lifestyle.

Every client becomes a designated travel member, which means they receive a curated portfolio of aircraft options, destination ideas, and catering menus tailored to them. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a multi-stop international trip, we make sure they have a seamless, elevated experience every time.

It’s all about the little things—remembering their favorite meals, recognizing important dates, or suggesting a new destination they haven’t explored yet. That personal touch is what creates loyalty, and it’s the reason so many of our clients continue to fly with us again and again.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

For me, building a social media presence has always been about more than just numbers—it’s about uniting a community around a shared passion. With Flight Selective, the goal was clear from the start: bring together aviation enthusiasts, travel lovers, and those inspired by the luxury and possibility of flight. Social media became a space where I could not only showcase what we do, but also connect with people who felt aligned with our mission.

I started by sharing real moments—stories from my time in the air, career tips, travel insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the private aviation world. This includes other flight attendants, pilots, private charter companies, caterers, and travel enthusiasts. That honesty and consistency helped build trust. People started engaging not just because they liked the visuals, but because they connected with the message and the lifestyle we were creating.

My advice for those just starting out: focus on building a community, not just a following. Show up consistently, speak directly to your audience, and make your mission clear. Whether you’re offering education, inspiration, or access to something aspirational, lead with purpose. Growing a platform takes time, but if you stay true to your message and value the people you’re speaking to, the right audience will find you—and stay with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Flightselective.com
• Instagram: @flightselective
• Facebook: Flight Selective