“A pilot is always put in a situation where stress is the main factor, because of the potential for bad weather or systems failure … in that situation, a pilot needs to react.” Having only known a career in aviation, options for Mr Carnevali, 46, could have been limited, like thousands of pilots dismissed by airlines globally as Covid-19 crippled travel. Mr Carnevali and Mr Versetti, 41, had previously discussed having their own business before the latter left Etihad last February for another airline. When that job was rescinded, timing and necessity pushed the friends to launch Global Flight Solutions in the summer.