Flexjet Buys UK-based FlairJet in Euro Expansion Bid

Flexjet Ltd., the UK subsidiary of U.S. based Flexjet, today announced the acquisition of aircraft charter management firm FlairJet from Marshall Aerospace to expand the fractional provider’s footprint into Europe, using a fleet of eight Nextant 400XTis, as well as Flairjet’s existing fleet of seven managed jets. Flexjet, which revealed plans to enter the region this fall at EBACE, will operate aircraft under Birmingham Airport-based FlairJet’s UK CAA air operator certificate (AOC) in Europe.

Ray Jones, Flexjet’s managing director for international, told AIN that the company is retaining all FlairJet employees and managed aircraft. “FlairJet will continue to provide aircraft charter and management services during and even after its transition to the Flexjet brand,” he said, adding that that FlairJet was selected for its “excellent culture fit.”

Flexjet’s European fleet will be made available to North American-based Flexjet owners in need of point-to-point private jet travel within the region or to the Middle East or Africa. The European fleet will also be available on a charter basis to Flexjet customers based in Europe with intra-EMEA travel needs.

“Our acquisition of FlairJet enables us to operate a Europe-based fleet of aircraft within our system and consistent with Flexjet’s service and quality standards,” said Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci.