Flexjet to add 22 aircraft to fleet by 2024

Flexjet will add at least 22 mid- and super-midsized aircraft to its fleet by the end of this year, the operator has reported. If the plan comes to fruition, the firm’s mid and super-midsized fleet will have doubled from 2018, ending the year with 148 aircraft.

The expansion represents a continuing five-year growth trend in this category. This year, the operator plans to bring its global fleet to more than 270 aircraft (excluding helicopters). So far in 2023, Flexjet has added the Embraer Praetor 600 to its North American fleet, as well as a Bombardier Challenger 350 (pictured) in its super midsized private jet offering.

“Together with the existing Embraer Praetor 500 and Challenger 350 aircraft flying in our fleet, the addition of the Praetor 600 and the Challenger 3500 has given Flexjet the industry’s leading offering of mid- and super midsized aircraft,” said DJ Hanlon, executive vice president, Sales, Flexjet. “The aircraft available to travellers within this offering present mission versatility that is unmatched by any other private aviation provider.” 

Flexjet said that the Praetor 600 is the “backbone of its growing European fleet” and its introduction to the US fleet reflects the jet’s success in Europe. The North American fleet also includes the Embraer Phenom 300 and the Praetor 500 and 600; the Bombardier Challenger 350 and 3500; and the Gulfstream G450 and G650.

Hanlon added that investment in Flexjet’s mid- and super midsized fleet in North America has been vital to meet the growing demand for coast-to-coast travel in the US. The firm also plans to invest in personnel, with the hire of 388 additional flight crew members and 338 aircraft maintenance technicians expected in 2023.

“Our ability to fly our aircraft owners on these in-demand aircraft today, and not at some distant time in the future, is further validation of our forward-looking approach,” said Hanlon.