Kresimir, Vedran and Jasna Jung reminisce about their favorite moments from 15 years of Jung Sky

Last month, Jung Sky celebrated its 15^th birthday, and in the light of this wonderful anniversary, we asked our three board members to summarize the things that have put (or are still doing so) the biggest smiles to their faces. So, let’s get started…

Looking back on this 15-year-long journey, which moments particularly stand out as your favourite ones?

Capt. Kresimir Jung (Board Member / AM / Captain / LTC): Firstly, the moment we received the AOC (Air Operator Certificate) and operating license for our first jet (9A-JSB). Secondly, the big party we organised to celebrate the company's 10th anniversary, which took place during a truly fantastic period for Jung Sky, and when all our partners and friends who have followed us through those 10 years rejoiced and celebrated with us.

And finally, the moment my son Lovro started flying alongside me two and a half years ago, as part of Jung Sky's pilot team. Especially since I didn’t push or persuade him to become a pilot or fly for Jung Sky, it was entirely his own wish. Since then, we’ve done many flights together, but the moment we embarked on his first official shift together is something I’ll never forget.

Vedran Jung (Board Member / IT Manager): My first flight on our Cessna 172 (9A-JSA) which, in the very beginings, we used for providing panoramic flights; after that - the arrival of our first jet, 9A-JSB, and finally, moving into our first proper office space, which meant I could finally establish a proper IT infrastructure—unlike all the possible and impossible improvisations before that 😊

Jasna Jung (Board Member / Financial Manager): Definitely, the big party we organized for family, friends, and partners for our 10th anniversary. Besides that, I would single out the moment when we boosted our fleet with a third jet, 9A-JSE. It was a very demanding and challenging project, and we were all overjoyed when it finally landed in Zagreb under our AOC.

Vedran Jung / Co-owner, Board Member, IT manager

Things you're most proud of in these 15 years?

Vedran Jung: To start with, I’m proud of the fact that over all these years, we’ve managed to progress as a company in an extremely demanding industry, despite all the difficulties we’ve faced. I’m proud that both management and department leaders insist on continually raising quality standards, despite the high bar we set from the beginning. Lastly, and as a result of the previous two points, I’m proud of the quality of the entire Jung Sky team, which has profiled over the years to the current level of exceptional professionalism. 

Capt. Kresimir Jung: I’m proud that Jung Sky's tail markings are associated with high-quality service and the highest level of trust. Our brand is known and praised across Europe and the world, with an impressive number of globally renowned clients who are happy to return to our aircraft. This makes me very happy because it’s important to take pride in the service you provide. I’m proud of the continuity of progress and the journey, which, as expected, had its ups and downs. But today, our team is stronger and better than ever.

Last, but not least, I’m proud that Vedran and I, as owners, along with Jasna as the third board member, have managed to maintain excellent relationships and continuously support each other throughout this period, regardless of the challenges. 

Jasna Jung: The addition of the third jet to our fleet stands out for me in this category as well, but what I’m consistently most proud of is our team and the success we achieve together.

Kresimir Jung / Co-owner, Board Member, AM, Captain, LTC

For you, what are the most important characteristics and qualities of today’s Jung Sky?

Capt. Kresimir Jung: A distinctive image and excellent brand reputation, synonymous with safety and the highest quality service in the business aviation industry. This isn’t marketing - it’s feedback from our clients and partners. We’re a company everyone enjoys working with, we’ve really heard this countless times. And we achieve all this with only two jets, although we briefly operated three aircraft last year. Additionally, I’d highlight financial stability and responsibility toward our partners as well as our employees whose salaries have never been reduced or delayed.

Jasna Jung: Resilience, adaptability, goal-oriented dedication, teamwork and communication, expertise, knowledge.

Vedran Jung: Potential, in terms of further expansion in several directions, for instance – fleet expansion, offering maintenance services to third parties, and perhaps one day providing dispatch services to other operators.

I would also say 'agility' in adapting to market changes, as being a smaller organization has often made us more adaptable to turbulent events, particularly in recent years.

Lastly, because laughter is often heard in our offices and hallways, I would definitely add a positive, cheerful atmosphere among the teams. We place great emphasis on interpersonal relationships and strive to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Jasna Jung / Board Member, Financial Manager

Since things don’t always go as planned, can you share any lessons learned over these 15 years?

Jasna Jung: Yes, things often don’t go as planned, and sometimes it seems like everything must always take the harder route, but learning from problems, difficulties, and unforeseen situations is part of the process, and every situation and challenge you overcome, at the end, makes you stronger.

Vedran Jung: First, never react impulsively without gathering information and arguments from as many colleagues as possible. Plus, it's often the less experienced colleagues who offer ideas not bound by standard procedures, so it's valuable to hear their opinion.

Second, when faced with a problem that initially seems unsolvable, if possible and after thoroughly analyzing it, try to step away and sleep on it. Often, a new day brings a fresh perspective, or someone comes up with a suggestion that can spark an idea leading to a solution.

And third, if you’re doing a job you love, the chances of doing it poorly are extremely low. You’ll be motivated to do it as well as possible, constantly improve, and enhance your skills, which boosts your ability to handle unexpected situations. Clients will always recognize and appreciate this.

Capt. Kresimir Jung: Success consists of beautiful things and moments, but also some less positive ones. I’d say the ability to withstand “blows” is very important. It might not always be easy, but in the toughest moments, you need to power through it because both the good and the bad are part of the journey and success. Expecting there won’t be any bumps on the road in 15 years of a company’s existence, isn’t realistic, so being prepared to handle less easy and less pleasant situations is essential.