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An Aviation Journey with Chris Thalhammer, Head of Sales Central and Eastern Europe at Boutsen Aviation and FLEXJET Captain

Chris Thalhammer, a seasoned aviator with over two decades in the aviation industry, is currently the Head of Sales Central and Eastern Europe for Boutsen Aviation while also captaining the Global XRS fleet for FLEXJET. His unique dual role, combined with his impressive flying resume, makes him a fascinating figure in business aviation. In this interview, Chris shares insights from his career and recent trends in the aviation industry.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey in aviation and how you got to where you are now?
My aviation journey started in 2004 with Austrian Airlines Regional, where I flew the CRJ200. From there, I moved on to various roles with leading aviation companies like Vista Jet, TAG Aviation Europe, ACASS Group, and now FLEXJET Europe. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of flying a range of aircraft, including the Challenger 850, 604/605, and now the Global XRS. I’ve been lucky enough to work in training and leadership roles, which have allowed me to pass on my knowledge while continuing to fly. One of the highlights of my career was being part of the Four Seasons Around the World Operation, where I flew the VIP Boeing B757 across multiple continents.

That Four Seasons trip sounds incredible! What was that experience like?
It was a memorable experience, traveling around the world multiple times. Most trips were around 26 days long, on a VIP-configured Boeing 757 in two different configurations, depending on the trip profile. These were bespoke trips, where every detail was tailored to the passengers’ needs and the impressions our guests had, was similar to a cruise ship in the skies. It was both challenging and rewarding, a unique opportunity to see the world while ensuring that the journey was as smooth and luxurious as possible for the guests.

What are some of the trends you’ve noticed in business aviation recently?
There’s been a clear demand for bigger, longer-range aircraft, especially from manufacturers like Bombardier and Gulfstream. The market for the Falcon 900 and Challenger 604 is quite saturated, leading to a buyer's market, while niches like the Falcon 8X or Global 7500 are more seller-friendly. The Global 6000 and Gulfstream G650 markets remain strong, reflecting a healthy demand for ultra-long-range jets and also the Gulfstream G450/G550 as well as the Falcon7X market shows a stable inventory level towards Q4 2024 and onwards into Q1 2025. Smaller Jets such as the Embraer Phenom 300/300E still show a strong demand since quite some time now and options with the OEM shows that, whenever you have to wait around 2yrs for a new jet from the production line. The Pilatus PC24 SVJ (Super Versatile Jet) has always existed in a niche of its own, but we do get a few request for that aircraft platform, especially when short field take off and landing, narrow runways or getting the maximum payload out of tiny airstrips are a factor in a potential buyers vision. I am really looking forward to the 2025 market and I expect a fast pacing and dynamic start into the year, processing 2024 inventory and focusing on new opportunities and transactions and I am also sure, that we will see one or the other surprise in the years 2025 and 2026 with regards to „best sellers“ and „underdogs“ respective to their aircraft category and type.

How has your role as Head of Sales Central and Eastern Europe for Boutsen Aviation influenced your flying career?
It’s been a great complement to my flying career. Being a representative at Boutsen allows me to stay connected to the business side of aviation, where I help clients find the right aircraft solutions. This role gives me the flexibility to focus on sales activities while continuing to fly the Global XRS fleet. It’s the perfect balance, allowing me to work from home or anywhere in the world, which is crucial in today’s globalized market.

What are you currently focusing on in business aviation?
I recently transitioned from ACASS to FLEXJET as a Captain on the Global XRS, and this shift has significantly enhanced the balance in my professional life. FLEXJET’s flexible approach has been a game-changer, enabling me to effectively split my time between flying and focusing on my sales responsibilities at Boutsen Aviation. I think one of my top goals and targets is to push and further develop Boutsen Aviation in the Alpine region, including Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, with a particular focus on the DACH region. By providing a harmonious blend of operational efficiency and personal time, FLEXJET has not only improved my productivity but also allowed me to better support our sales activities while continuing to pursue my passion for flying worldwide.

Any personal insights or highlights from your years of experience that you’d like to share?
I’ve been flying Bombardier products since 2004, and I’ve had the opportunity to take on various roles, from lead pilot to instructor and training captain. With over 8,500 hours of flying time, I’ve learned that every flight is a new experience. Being part of a multicultural and multilingual team at FLEXJET is another unique aspect of my career. The diversity of backgrounds and expertise within our crew is something I believe sets us apart in the industry.

Is there anything else exciting on the horizon for you?
We’re continuing to see exciting developments in the market, particularly the strong demand for larger aircraft. I’m looking forward to focusing more on my Boutsen sales activities and seeing how the industry evolves over the next few years, especially with the ongoing advancements in aircraft technology and global market dynamics.


Chris Thalhammer's dual role as a seasoned pilot and representative for Boutsen Aviation offers him a unique perspective on the future of business aviation. With a wealth of experience and a global viewpoint, he remains at the forefront of this ever-evolving industry.