Since the end of the Coronavirus pandemic, the private aviation sector has experienced a growth in demand as both individual flyers and different organizations have come to depend on private aircraft for reliable and efficient travel solutions. Flexjet has emerged as one of the top names in the game, offering fractional ownership, leases, and simplified jet card programs to clientele across North America and Europe.
Photo: Flexjet
Flexjet’s operations, partnerships, and acquisitions over the years culminate in ambition to stand out and lead the private jet industry worldwide.
Let’s explore how Flexjet reached its current place by leveraging technology and delivering solutions for market gaps in private air travel. A methodical approach to modernizing the way private flying is done, as well as maintaining an excellent fleet, has paved the way for Flexjet’s enduring growth.
Flexjet’s takeoff
Flexjet originated in 1995 when Bombardier (aircraft manufacturer) recognized rising demand for more flexible business air travel options. The concept began with a focus on fractional ownership, which is a model designed to make private aviation accessible to companies and individuals without requiring full aircraft purchases. Bombardier’s history of jet production gave Flexjet a firm business and operational foundation.
Photo: Flexjet
In the mid-1990s as corporate travel needs grew, Flexjet positioned itself strategically in the market by focusing on the convenience of shared ownership to lower the entry barrier for those requiring private aircraft. Industry competitors such as NetJets had already entered the fractional ownership sphere, establishing a customer demand for the convenient and low-investment private flying option.
Bombardier saw a unique opportunity to combine its building expertise with the cost-efficiency of fractional models, and create a complete package of flight services under one roof.
Flexjet’s skyward trajectory
In the early days, Bombardier’s established manufacturing capability provided immediate legitimacy, allowing Flexjet to attract clientele quickly. As private aviation deal book wrote, integration with Directional Aviation in 2012 connected Flexjet with an ecosystem of private aviation enterprises, including Sentient Jet, PrivateFly, and Nextant Aerospace. This was the next step in forming Flexjet’s brand identity today, transitioning from a Bombardier experiment into a larger business under Ken Ricci’s vision for an all-encompassing private aviation solution.
Brand building continued with the 2014 as Flexjet further concentrated on fractional ownership, leasing, and the Flexjet 25 Jet Card while stepping back from chartering. The Red Label program followed in 2015, featuring enhanced service and upscale cabin designs. These programs elevated flying experiences, showing Flexjet’s ability to cater to high-end travelers.
Photo: Flexjet
Growth in Europe similarly followed step with US operations. Initial expansion through Flairjet and PrivateFly offered immediate network access. Establishing a headquarters in London and a Malta Operational Center helped Flexjet grow service for more international customers.
Recent development
The last few years have brought a push toward helicopter services and even eVTOL technology. OneSky Flight’s acquisition of Halo Aviation in the UK and Associated Aircraft Group in the US in 2021 consolidated a strong rotorcraft fleet under Flexjet’s umbrella.
Delivering door-to-door transport with helicopter transfers, Flexjet pursues greater convenience for clients seeking to avoid road travel to and from airport terminals. OneSky’s order for 200 eVTOLs from Embraer-backed EVE illustrates a move toward more sustainable and flexible travel – urban air mobility is on Flexjet’s radar.
Photo: Flexjet
Shifts in market conditions have led to ongoing strategic moves. The proposed SPAC merger in 2022 aimed at taking Flexjet public and securing investment capital. Under that plan, OneSky Flight would be renamed. However, in April 2023, the company announced that the plan would be halted, opting to remain privately held.
Photo: Flexjet
This decision came as internal control over the business was determined to be better for continued success, as opposed to the over emphasis on share value that public ownership can entail. With some of the highest skilled pilots and maintainers in the industry, Flexjet has continued to keep maintenance and aircrew skills as a top priority to ensure quality and safety.
Photo: Flexjet
According to the press release by Flexjet Master Technician, “Flexjet is honored to have Ray Segarra recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration for this prestigious accolade and he joins two others at Flexjet who were honored with this award.” The statement was made by Eli Flint, President of Flexjet’s helicopter division, signifying the importance Flexjet places on maintenance expertise across its rotorcraft services.
Flexjet today
Flexjet currently ranks as one of the largest private jet flight providers in the United States. Directional Aviation’s portfolio of aviation brands, which includes Sentient Jet and PrivateFly, has facilitated integration of new technology, growth of maintenance resources, and service expansion. The headquarters is in Cleveland, Ohio, and directly oversees the flight network that spans North America and Europe through direct, live connections with both service hubs and aircraft.
As part of its ongoing development, Flexjet inked a $7-billion-dollar order for Embraer Praetor 500 and 600 models in February 2025.
Photo: Flexjet
“We are delighted with Flexjet’s renewed commitment to Embraer through this comprehensive purchase agreement, which strengthens even further our strategic partnership of over 20 years,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets.
“We are very excited to have many more loyal Flexjet fractional owners enjoy access to our industry-leading Phenom and best-in-class Praetor jets.”
Photo: Flexjet
Fractional ownership remains the focal point of Flexjet’s business model, with some emphasis on leasing options for shorter-term usage and a more limited jet card program for other travel solutions.
Looking ahead, interest in sustainable propulsion technologies and eVTOL aircraft is likely to be a growing priority for Flexjet. The integration of new flight platforms, including supersonic concepts, like the now-discontinued Aerion AS2 order, and battery-electric or hybrid powertrains, aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions.
Photo: Flexjet
The company’s emphasis on next-generation fleets, including anticipated orders of the Gulfstream G700, supports their mission of offering comprehensive private air travel solutions for ever evolving client needs.
Related
How To Book A Flight With FlexJet?
While they do not offer charters in the same sense as the two other charter operators, they have a few workarouns.
Key milestones
The timeline below offers an overview of the company’s major achievements and turning points:
-
1995:
Bombardierfounded
Flexjetto bring fractional ownership programs to a broader market.
- 1998: The operation, under the name Business Jet Solutions, expanded its fleet to 41 aircraft, serving over 200 clients.
- 2000: Bombardier acquired Skyjet to manage charter services. This ushered in online booking capabilities, enhancing private flight options for Flexjet’s clientele.
- 2002: Flexjet employed more than 1,000 individuals and operated a fleet of 105 aircraft. This year also saw the company’s annual growth rate reach approximately 20%.
- 2006: For the first time, Flexjet recorded a substantial profit. Fractional sales grew by 28%, and overall revenue increased by 30%.
- 2008: VistaJet purchased Flexjet’s non-U.S. operations, previously operating under Skyjet International.
- 2012: Flexjet became part of Directional Aviation, a family of private aviation companies spearheaded by entrepreneur Ken Ricci.
- 2013: Directional Aviation announced the acquisition of Flexjet from Bombardier for $185 million in cash. Concurrently, Flexjet placed orders with Bombardier for 85 jets.
- 2014: Flexjet discontinued its charter market participation, shifting its brokerage operations under the Skyjet name, while continuing fractional ownership programs.
- 2015: The Red Label initiative offered dedicated flight crews and modern cabin designs across a wide range of new aircraft.
- 2016: Flexjet began opening private jet terminals, starting with one in Naples, Florida, followed by West Palm Beach and Westchester County Airport, New York.
- 2018: European expansion advanced through the incorporation of Flairjet (UK) and the acquisition of PrivateFly by OneSky Flight.
- 2019: Flexjet appointed Marine Eugène to lead its European division and established Flexjet House in London for regional operations.
-
2021: OneSky Flight, Flexjet’s parent, acquired helicopter operators in the US and UK, rebranding them under Halo. Plans for door-to-door private aviation solutions were unveiled, including an order of 200
eVTOLs from
Embraer-backed EVE.
- 2022: Flexjet announced a hiring campaign for 350 additional pilots and the introduction of 50 more aircraft before year’s end.
- October 2022: A proposed SPAC merger with Horizon Acquisition Corporation II surfaced. The transaction would have allowed Flexjet to trade under the symbol “FXJ.”
- April 2023: Flexjet halted its SPAC merger plan and chose to remain privately held.
Related
Flexjet Places A $7 Billion Order For Embraer Private Jets
The order consists of 182 different Embraer business jets.
Fleet breakdown
Flexjet’s aircraft inventory covers a wide range of categories, from short-hop jets to ultra-long-range jets capable of transoceanic and transcontinental flight. The fleet variety meets the diverse travel requirements of corporate and individual owners. Flexjet also has a fleet of helicopters, including the high-performance, luxurious Sikorsky
S-76.
Photo: Flexjet
Below is a list of the Flexjet fleet:
-
Embraer Phenom 300
- In Service: 42
- Passengers: 7
-
Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600
- In Service: 65
- Passengers: 8
-
Bombardier Challenger 300 (Challenger 300/350)
- In Service: 90
- Passengers: 8
-
Gulfstream
G450
- In Service: 28
- Passengers: 16
-
Bombardier Global Express
- In Service: 5
- Passengers: 12
-
Gulfstream G650 ER
- In Service: 18
- Passengers: 15
- Total in Service: 248
