Import entrepreneur Gino Bertuccio from Miami is living his dream of flying.
He has already completed 52 maiden flights in new aircraft types. He was there for the first flight of the A380 and got to be the first passenger in the Ethiad Residence. A bleisure traveler of a different kind.

 

Gino, you are a businessman and airline enthusiast. What drives you forward?

Since childhood I have had a passion for commercial aircrafts. When I was a kid, flying was truly an exciting event. That passion never fade away, it just grew year by year.

Do you remember your first flight?

No. That was in June 1963, I was only six months old. But I can still clearly recall my flights to Italy every year when I was 4-5 years, on an Alitalia DC8/62.

Abu Dhabi – Hong Kong in 2025 was your last maiden flight. How do you get access to these special flights? Are you being invited now?

As soon as airlines announce inaugural flights, for new aircrafts, new routes, new ­destinations I book them.
Most of the time I can find availability, however it has happened before that other aviation geeks were faster than me.
Invited? Hahaha, no I have always paid for my tickets.

You were the first passenger in the then legendary The Residence, a private three-room suite onboard an Ethiad Airways commercial aircraft.

Those were the delivery years of the A380. At that time every airline was presenting some kind of exclusive cabin.
I had heard about this superior cabin being installed on an A380 by Etihad. So I logged onto their website and made the booking,
never expecting what would actually await me.

What are your top airlines?

I never fly economy. Maybe Qatar Airways for Business and Air France for First Class.

How important do you consider Wi-Fi to be on board an airline? Do you use it?

It’s extremely important. I don’t work while flying. But I always need the WI-FI to be fast and available.

What are your top 3 things you dislike about flying?

Bulk head seats on all airlines other than SQ A350.
My prefered seat is unavailable, and no red eye flights.

What do you consider to be genuine premium service on airlines?

Doesn‘ t matter if there is an amazing lounge or a superior service on board. If however there is no actual personalized service for transfers,
security lanes, boarding on the ground I cannot call it the best First Class. Something that all airlines that offer first class must understand:
First Class passengers should NEVER have to wait in line for any reason.

Where do you think the best lounge is?

In Singapore at Changi Airport: the Singapore Airlines The Private Room.

Thank you very much for talking to us, Gino, and have a good flight!

Gino Bertuccio has completed around 2,600 flights in his life, spending roughly a year on airplanes and traveling the equivalent of 20 times to the moon. He collects boarding passes, souvenirs, and model airplanes from all his flights. Kai Böcking, who spoke with Gino, last met him on Etihad Airways’ inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong. They first met years ago on Singapore Airlines’ first A380 flight from Singapore to Sydney.

Photos: Gino Bertuccio