Q&A with Sari Sawaya

Sari Sawaya, Sales Director, Middle East & Sub-Continental India, Jetcraft
Location: Dubai, UAE

What are your responsibilities within the global Jetcraft team?

My responsibilities at Jetcraft are to take care of all sales activities in the Middle East. This includes everything from managing client relationships to finding new clients or handling a pre-buy.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

My day begins early in the morning with handling new leads that come in. On days when I have meetings scheduled, I usually go to the office of my client. If it’s in Dubai, it’s great because everyone comes through Dubai. If not in Dubai, I will go wherever they are.

Describe the company culture at Jetcraft and what it means to you?

The company culture at Jetcraft to me is like a big family.

What do you love most about your job?

What I love most about my job is the thrill of the deal. Every deal is different and it’s just a natural high that you get by making sure that my customer is happy and getting the job done.

Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

For me, it was my late father, mainly because of what he went through in the early seventies in coming to Dubai and creating the life that he did. The best advice he gave me was protect your name at all costs. That’s what sticks with you in future. So, I protect my name. I protect Jetcraft’s name, and they go hand in hand.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

I’d have to say; competitive, adaptive, and fun.

If you were to buy a business jet, which aircraft would suit your needs and why?

I’d buy a Gulfstream 650 because it’s a great aircraft. If I were to operate out of Dubai, I could hit most of the regions that I want, and the cabin is unmatched.

Explain what makes Jetcraft’s customer experience unique

To me, good customer service is being honest with your client and always available to them.  When they pick up the phone to call you, you are available. When dealing with Jetcraft, I want customers to feel that we are looking after their best interests and that we are the most qualified brokers/ dealers on the market. We know what we are doing and what we are talking about. I want them to feel comfortable dealing with us and allowing us to handle the sale or purchase of their aircraft without any hassle.

Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?

My secret hobby is I love to grill, and I do a mean brisket and a tomahawk.