Melanie Hentschel shares her 4+ years at Air Charter Service, her role, favourite charters, and why brokers enhance private travel.
Charter Chatter (Q&A) with Melanie Hentschel
With more than four years at Air Charter Service (ACS), Melanie has become a familiar and trusted presence in Germany’s commercial charter market. As Director of the German Commercial Jets team, she blends a lifelong fascination with aviation with a natural talent for guiding people through complex, fast‑moving operations. Her colleagues and clients know her for her calm leadership, her curiosity, and her ability to make even the most demanding operations feel seamless. We sat down with her to talk about her journey, the variety that keeps her energised, and why having the right charter consultant can transform the entire experience from the very first conversation to touchdown (and beyond).
Melanie, can you tell us about your role at Air Charter Service?
I oversee our Cologne office and lead the German Commercial Jets team – a brilliant team of six brokers and one flight coordinator. Together, we manage an incredibly diverse mix of flights – incentive trips, music and film productions, leisure travel, evacuations, and humanitarian missions. No two requests are ever the same, and that’s what makes my job so energising.
My job is to guide the team, keep operations running smoothly, and ensure each and every client feels supported from the moment they contact us to the moment their aircraft touches down, and beyond!
What made you choose a career in aviation?
Aviation has fascinated me since childhood. I loved everything about airports – the atmosphere, the movement, the sense that the world was constantly moving around me – I loved watching the way people talk to, and interact with each other, and I always loved both meeting new people and travelling. So, I decided to study tourism! During my studies, I explored every corner of the industry, from hotels to tour operators, but aviation always stood out, and ultimately won. I’m someone who thrives on variety, and fast-paced environments, and being a broker gives you exactly that. Every day brings a new challenge, a new destination, and a new story.
Are there particular industries you specialise in?
I actually enjoy not specialising. The beauty of this job is the mix – one day you’re working with a film crew, the next you’re supporting an incentive group, and the day after you’re coordinating a search-and-rescue team. Each sector has its own ‘personality’ and its own set of needs, and switching between them keeps me sharp and curious. Variety is what makes the role so rewarding for me!
What are you most proud of in your career at ACS?
The operation that will stay with me forever is the response to the earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. We received the call in the middle of the night, and had to act immediately. Within hours, we’d sourced an aircraft capable of carrying rescue teams, dangerous goods and search dogs, secured the necessary permits, and identified the closest operational airport to the affected region.
One of our cargo colleagues even travelled with the flight to help local handlers unload the specialist equipment – something they weren’t familiar with. Our teams worked around the clock, sleeping on emergency beds, doing whatever was needed to get help on the ground as quickly as possible. Knowing that our work contributed to saving lives is something I’m incredibly proud of.
Why should someone use a charter consultant instead of going directly to an airline?
A broker opens the entire global aircraft market to you. Airlines themselves can only offer their own fleet, but we can compare every available option and find the aircraft that truly fits your needs – operationally, financially, and logistically. For first-time charter clients especially, the process can feel overwhelming. We have the specialist knowledge to guide you through every step, explain what the processes are (and what is possible), and make sure nothing is overlooked. You get expertise, transparency, and peace of mind.
What sets ACS apart from its competitors?
It’s the people. We’re a hands-on, highly responsive team, and I can reach any colleague at any time – which is essential when you’re dealing with urgent or complex operations. We have specialists across every segment, and when a flight requires on‑site support, we’re there – at the check-in desk, on the ramp, even on board. Clients feel that commitment. They know we’re with them from the first conversation to the final post‑flight report. It’s a complete service, delivered by people who genuinely care.
What would you say to someone chartering for the first time?
Start with a broker. We’ll help you understand the aircraft options, the operational considerations, and the full process from start to finish. Whether you need branding, catering, special meals or on‑site supervision, we take care of it all. You don’t need to know the industry – that’s what we’re here for. Your only job is to tell us what you want the experience to feel like.
Finally, just for fun, what's your favourite aircraft to charter?
In the commercial jet category, I’m a big fan of the Embraer 135 in its 30‑seat configuration. It used to have 37 seats, so the extra space makes a noticeable difference – more comfort, more legroom, a more premium feel overall. There’s also an airline operating this type that consistently goes above and beyond for us, especially with onboard service and catering. When you combine a great aircraft with a great operator, it makes the whole experience seamless for the client.
Planning or organising an event?
Contact Melanie or one of our dedicated charter experts to discuss how we can design a bespoke charter solution around your exacting requirements, transforming your transportation into part of the experience.