Flexjet

Flexjet is a provider of fractional jet ownership, leasing, and jet card services as well as private helicopter fractional, leasing and charter services. Directional Aviation, the private investment firm founded by aviation entrepreneur Kenn Ricci, has owned Flexjet since 2013. Headquartered in Richmond Heights, Ohio, Flexjet is led by Ricci, its chairman, and by Michael J. Silvestro, its chief executive officer. Flexjet is one of the largest fractional private jet companies. The company serves over 2,100 clients. == History ==

Founded in 1995, Flexjet entered the fractional jet ownership market as a division of Bombardier Aerospace, the world's largest business aviation manufacturer In late 2019, Flexjet announced its European operation would be led by Marine Eugène, former head of sales in Europe for NetJets. Flexjet's European expansion continued with the opening of Flexjet House in London to serve as their European headquarters. In addition, a European Tactical Control Center to coordinate flight logistics and an aircraft maintenance facility were opened at Farnborough Airport in the United Kingdom. In 2021, Flexjet acquired two leading helicopter travel providers: U.K.-based Halo Aviation and U.S.-based Associated Aircraft Group. The company added private helicopter leasing and charter services and formed a private helicopter division that sells fractional, lease and on-demand charter access to its fleet of owned and operated Sikorsky S-76 private helicopters serving locations throughout the Northeastern United States and Florida. In 2022, Flexjet announced plans to hire 350 pilots in addition to its current total of 800 and add another 50 aircraft by the end of the year. In October 2022, Flexjet agreed to enter into an agreement to merge with Horizon Acquisition Corporation II (NYSE: HZON), a publicly traded special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) led by Todd Boehly. Following completion of the merger, Flexjet would become a publicly traded company under the ticker symbol “FXJ.” In April 2023, Flexjet announced the deal would be terminated. Flexjet has received awards and certifications for safety including the Federal Aviation Administration's Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance, awarded to Flexjet in 2022 for the 23rd consecutive year. Flexjet also has received the Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/US) Platinum Safety Rating since 2008. In July 2025, Flexjet completed an $800 million equity investment round led by L Catterton, the private equity firm backed by luxury conglomerate LVMH, with participation from KSL Capital Partners and J. Safra Group. The funding, described as the largest equity financing deal in private aviation history, valued the company at $4 billion. Of the total investment, $200 million went to existing shareholders while $600 million was allocated for infrastructure development and company growth. In Sep 2025, Flexjet announced the addition of the Gulfstream G700 to its fleet, expanding its ultra-long-range aircraft offerings. The G700, recognized as the largest and fastest business jet produced by Gulfstream Aerospace, became available to Flexjet clients through the company’s fractional ownership program. This addition provided immediate access to the aircraft’s advanced range capabilities and enhanced cabin design, further strengthening Flexjet’s position in the global private aviation market. == Incidents ==

On February 25, 2025, Flexjet flight 560 was involved with a runway incursion incident at Chicago Midway International Airport when the aircraft failed to hold short of runway 31C as instructed by air traffic control, and proceeded to cross onto the runway, prompting Southwest flight 2504 to perform a go-around maneuver to avoid a collision during its final approach. Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating this incident. ==Fleet==

s and Praetor 500/600 business jets, worth $1.4 billion. In October 2014, Flexjet also announced that it would begin adding long-range aircraft that would significantly expand the potential range of its operations. It placed an order with Gulfstream Aerospace for up to 50 aircraft including the Gulfstream G500, for which Flexjet would be the exclusive fractional provider. The agreement also includes large-aircraft Gulfstream products such as the G450 and the G650. Once the current procurement of new aircraft is completed, Flexjet's fleet will consist of: In November 2015, Flexjet announced that it had placed a firm order for 20 Aerion AS2 supersonic business jets to be built by Aerion Corp in collaboration with Airbus Group. Flexjet was the first private jet travel provider to commit to purchasing the first supersonic business jet. The aircraft also will provide the world's first publicly available supersonic transport since commercial airline supersonic service ended service in 2003. The three-engine jet, now under development, is expected to make its first flight in 2021 and enter service in 2023. --> ==See also==