Aerodynamics: A Family Business Ready for the Future
For Aerodynamics Private Jets, 2021 was a successful year despite the impact of COVID-19. A perfect moment, after 36 years, to hand over the reins to the next generation.
Business travel has long been the core activity of Aerodynamics. The company arranges flights using aircraft ranging from single-passenger jets to, practically speaking, unlimited group sizes. Many smaller groups are transported using aircraft such as the Embraer 135/145 or CRJ200, while larger aircraft carrying more than 100 passengers are also frequently booked for trade fairs and football trips. Two years ago, COVID-19 caused a shift toward leisure travel.
Private Jet
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many people who could afford it chose to charter a private jet over the past two years, particularly for leisure travel.
Jan Roosjen
We saw a strong increase in wealthy individuals opting for private jets for holidays. During the summer, we had many clients with second homes or yachts flying to destinations such as Cannes or Ibiza. A private jet means private space — no crowds at the airport, no face masks on board, just traveling in your own bubble.
Jan Roosjen
The company is based at one of the most attractive locations at Schiphol-East, with large windows overlooking the apron where aircraft of all shapes and sizes are ready for departure. These are the aircraft that Aerodynamics, as a charter broker, arranges for companies and individuals who can afford private aviation.
The Founding Trio
Aerodynamics was founded in 1986 by Huyb van Monsjou. Five years later, in 1991, Jan Roosjen joined and became co-owner. The third member of the “first generation” is Ronald Wüstefeld, who has been with Aerodynamics since 2001.
Together, the three built the company into a specialist in private jet rentals, charter flights, and helicopter services. Aerodynamics handles between 700 and 800 flights per year, mostly departing from Schiphol, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, but also from airports worldwide.
A Step Back
After 35 years, Huyb van Monsjou and Jan Roosjen decided to take a step back. Earlier this year, they handed over leadership to the next generation. Over the past five years, Aerodynamics has increasingly taken on the characteristics of a family business — a unique one consisting of three families.
The second generation includes Sophie van Monsjou (daughter of Huyb), David Roosjen (son of Jan), and Roos Wüstefeld (daughter of Ronald). Together with Ronald Wüstefeld, they now lead the company on a daily basis.
Huyb van Monsjou and Jan Roosjen remain involved but have stepped back from daily operations.
I personally know many of our clients, and they still call me directly, as they’ve done for years. But it’s also a transition for our clients.
Jan Roosjen (67) still regularly present at Schiphol-East
Flexibility
When asked what has changed over the past three decades, Roosjen points to the early days, when the company could offer eight people a private jet to London for the price of a business class ticket. That is no longer the case, but the core advantages remain:
You set your own schedule, there are no waiting times, you have your own terminal, and you only need to arrive 15 minutes before departure. It offers tremendous flexibility.
Jan Roosjen
Transavia
Since late 2018, Aerodynamics has handled Transavia’s ad hoc charter flights, which are sold from the airline’s residual capacity. These are tailor-made flights for companies or private individuals, using a dedicated Boeing 737 to a destination of choice.
We used to work closely with Transavia. We flew for pharmaceutical companies, football clubs, supporters, car dealers, and corporate groups. When Transavia shifted its focus to scheduled services, this new collaboration was formed.
Jan Roosjen
Changing Market
Clients who previously flew with us only for business are now also booking flights for family holidays.
Sophie van Monsjou
Business communication has shifted heavily toward Teams and Zoom. That will continue for some time. Companies think twice before sending someone on a private jet. Leisure travel has therefore become an important addition.
David Roosjen
I do expect business travel to recover faster in our segment. Private jet users often hold executive or management roles, unlike sales managers who used to travel frequently on scheduled flights.
Roos Wüstefeld
Personal Approach
When asked what sets Aerodynamics apart, all generations point to their personal approach.
The way we engage with clients, how we think along with them. We go the extra mile — arranging local transport, onboard catering, and even hotels if needed.
Roos Wüstefeld
We are always present at departure, so we can meet clients in person — especially new ones. Clients really appreciate that.
Sophie van Monsjou
We always say that’s when you sell the flight a second time — through personal contact. And that’s highly valued.
Jan Roosjen
Silverjet
Do the two generations ever talk about anything other than work?
If my wife isn’t around, we quickly end up talking about the business. If she is, we don’t.
Jan Roosjen
My father is more likely to bring it up than I am. I’ll say: you’re off now.
David Roosjen still regularly present at Schiphol-East
Aerodynamics recently entered into a partnership with Silverjet Vacations, a provider of luxury travel. Private jet travel is now offered as an option in their brochures.
We’re doing a lot with Silverjet at the moment. It clearly shows that affluent travelers are increasingly choosing private jets. It’s becoming a new trend.
Jan Roosjen
Popular destinations include ski resorts, Southern France, Ibiza, Malaga, Sardinia, and the Greek islands — in short, much of the Mediterranean.
You could almost start a scheduled service to Cannes in summer.
David Roosjen still regularly present at Schiphol-East
Looking Ahead
Where does the new generation see itself in five years?
I hope the company reflects more of our own identity, with our own client base.
Sophie van Monsjou
That we’ll have to explain everything to our predecessors when they visit.
Roos Wüstefeld
Where will I be? Here. With five more years of experience — and staying healthy, both personally and professionally.
David Roosjen
The formula works — 36 years have proven that. I’d say: just keep going.
Jan Roosjen
We now have all the characteristics of a family business.
Aerodynamics
Who Are They?
Roos Wüstefeld (30) studied Tourism, completed flight attendant training, worked at Eliza Was Here, was a flight attendant at Rotterdam Airport, and worked at Munckhof Business Travel and Schiphol Travel.
I really enjoyed working at Schiphol Travel, but when I saw a vacancy at my father’s company that perfectly suited me, I made the move.
Roos Wüstefeld
Sophie van Monsjou (26) studied at hotel school and initially wanted to pursue event management but started helping temporarily in her father’s company — 2.5 years later, she’s still there.
I never left.
Sophie van Monsjou
David Roosjen (30) studied Tourism and completed several internships, including six months in Africa with an overland tour operator.
When I started here, I said they shouldn’t count on me staying.
David Roosjen
Now you enjoy it so much you don’t want to leave.
Roos Wüstefeld
