Odette Bertasso:
It's More Than Possible to Thrive as a Woman in Aviation
Odette Bertasso’s journey in the aviation industry is a testament to passion, resilience, and innovative leadership. With 18 years at Luxaviation Africa, she has played a crucial role in shaping the company’s success and driving its Charter Sales division to new heights.
A Career Built on Dedication and Leadership
Odette’s aviation career began as a Bookkeeper at Nationwide Airlines. She then joined ExecuJet, where she started as a Charter Sales Account Manager. Her dedication, combined with a keen strategic mindset, soon propelled her into a leadership role. Her ability to foster client relationships, identify market opportunities, and lead a dynamic team has been instrumental in the company’s sustained growth.
Under her guidance, the Charter Sales department has not only achieved remarkable milestones but has also set new industry standards in customer experience and operational efficiency. Her recent promotion to Managing Director for South Africa reflects her commitment to continuous growth, both personally and professionally.
Overcoming Challenges and Shaping Leadership Style
Navigating the male-dominated aviation industry presented its fair share of challenges. Early in her career, limited networking opportunities and the demands of balancing a high-pressure role with personal responsibilities were among the hurdles she faced. However, these experiences helped shape her leadership style—one that empowers her team to make informed decisions while providing unwavering support and guidance.
Odette’s ‘bottom-up’ leadership approach fosters a culture of collaboration, where each team member is encouraged to contribute meaningfully. She believes that resilience and hard work are key to success, lessons that she has carried throughout her career.
Luxaviation Africa: Innovation and Excellence in Private Aviation
Luxaviation Africa continues to set the benchmark for private aviation services, offering tailored solutions that prioritise safety, sustainability, and luxury. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in the launch of its Luxaviation mobile app in 2023, which enhances the customer experience by providing direct access to aviation experts and personalised travel solutions.
The company’s diverse offerings include fractional ownership, aircraft sales, crew training, aircraft leasing, and ad-hoc charter flights. Initiatives like the Simply Fly Jet Card and SkyClub fractional ownership programme highlight Luxaviation’s unique value proposition in the African market. The company’s recent Carbon Calculator app feature also reflects its dedication to sustainability, allowing clients to measure their environmental impact with ease.
A Balance Between Work and Passion
Beyond the boardroom, Odette embraces an adventurous lifestyle that mirrors her dynamic career. Whether engaging in yoga, hiking, or rock climbing, she thrives on challenges that push her limits. A particularly memorable experience involved a rock-climbing adventure at Howick Falls that resulted in an unexpected double-pitch abseil through patches of poison ivy—an ordeal that she likens to overcoming obstacles in her career.
For Odette, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. “Only you can decide who or what breaks you,” she reflects. Her journey in aviation has been marked by determination, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As she continues to lead Luxaviation Africa’s commercial strategy, Odette remains dedicated to inspiring others in the aviation industry. Her story is not only one of professional achievement but also of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence—hallmarks of a true leader in African aviation.
Odette Bertasso:
It's More Than Possible to Thrive as a Woman in Aviation
Odette Bertasso’s journey in the aviation industry is a testament to passion, resilience, and innovative leadership. With 18 years at Luxaviation Africa, she has played a crucial role in shaping the company’s success and driving its Charter Sales division to new heights.
A Career Built on Dedication and Leadership
Odette’s aviation career began as a Bookkeeper at Nationwide Airlines. She then joined ExecuJet, where she started as a Charter Sales Account Manager. Her dedication, combined with a keen strategic mindset, soon propelled her into a leadership role. Her ability to foster client relationships, identify market opportunities, and lead a dynamic team has been instrumental in the company’s sustained growth.
Under her guidance, the Charter Sales department has not only achieved remarkable milestones but has also set new industry standards in customer experience and operational efficiency. Her recent promotion to Managing Director for South Africa reflects her commitment to continuous growth, both personally and professionally.
Overcoming Challenges and Shaping Leadership Style
Navigating the male-dominated aviation industry presented its fair share of challenges. Early in her career, limited networking opportunities and the demands of balancing a high-pressure role with personal responsibilities were among the hurdles she faced. However, these experiences helped shape her leadership style—one that empowers her team to make informed decisions while providing unwavering support and guidance.
Odette’s ‘bottom-up’ leadership approach fosters a culture of collaboration, where each team member is encouraged to contribute meaningfully. She believes that resilience and hard work are key to success, lessons that she has carried throughout her career.
Luxaviation Africa: Innovation and Excellence in Private Aviation
Luxaviation Africa continues to set the benchmark for private aviation services, offering tailored solutions that prioritise safety, sustainability, and luxury. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in the launch of its Luxaviation mobile app in 2023, which enhances the customer experience by providing direct access to aviation experts and personalised travel solutions.
The company’s diverse offerings include fractional ownership, aircraft sales, crew training, aircraft leasing, and ad-hoc charter flights. Initiatives like the Simply Fly Jet Card and SkyClub fractional ownership programme highlight Luxaviation’s unique value proposition in the African market. The company’s recent Carbon Calculator app feature also reflects its dedication to sustainability, allowing clients to measure their environmental impact with ease.
A Balance Between Work and Passion
Beyond the boardroom, Odette embraces an adventurous lifestyle that mirrors her dynamic career. Whether engaging in yoga, hiking, or rock climbing, she thrives on challenges that push her limits. A particularly memorable experience involved a rock-climbing adventure at Howick Falls that resulted in an unexpected double-pitch abseil through patches of poison ivy—an ordeal that she likens to overcoming obstacles in her career.
For Odette, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. “Only you can decide who or what breaks you,” she reflects. Her journey in aviation has been marked by determination, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As she continues to lead Luxaviation Africa’s commercial strategy, Odette remains dedicated to inspiring others in the aviation industry. Her story is not only one of professional achievement but also of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence—hallmarks of a true leader in African aviation.
