Exclusive Jets, operating as flyExclusive, has entered into a purchase agreement with Textron Aviation for up to 30 Cessna Citation CJ3+ jets. Charter operator flyExclusive expects to take delivery of five aircraft in 2023, with the option to purchase additional aircraft for deliveries through 2025.

This order continues the company's position as one of the largest owners/operators of Citations in the world. It is fleet includes the Citation X, Sovereign, Excel/ XLS, CJ3 and Encore aircraft models.

“This expansion launches flyExclusive into the fractional space. We are committed to redefining the private flying experience, providing the full suite of products for our customers, all delivering consistent, reliable and world-class service,” says chairman and founder Jim Segrave. “We are proud to continue our relationship with Textron Aviation as we bring the CJ3+ into our esteemed fleet. The addition of these new aircraft will allow us to expand our capabilities to support our continuing growth as one of the largest private jet charter operators in the industry.”

Owning and operating its fleet of 85 light, midsize, super-midsize and heavy jets, Kinston, North Carolina-based flyExclusive, is the third largest Part 135 charter operator in the US. This order is expected to support the company's Jet Club, Partner and new fractional programme, in response to historic demand.

“This order brings the efficiency and comfort of the CJ3+ to a new audience of customers through flyExclusive's programmes,” says Textron president and CEO Ron Draper. “We appreciate customers like flyExclusive, who see the value in operating a broad range of jets from the Citation family. The operating economics of Citations, combined with the global network of service and support available through Textron Aviation, ensures continued productivity and enjoyment throughout the ownership experience.”

The CJ3+ delivers exceptional performance, Garmin G3000 avionics and in-flight wi-fi capability. Best-in-class acquisition and operating costs, seating for nine passengers and up to 1,000 lbs of baggage capacity make it the ultimate utility player. With a range of up to 2,040 nms, the Citation CJ3+ is perfectly suited for the light jet market segment and can fly single pilot and up to four passengers non-stop from Washington, DC to Monterrey, Mexico; Sao Paulo to Santiago; London to Athens; or Shanghai to Tokyo.

Designed to provide the most efficient flight profile by minimising fuel costs and environmental impact, the CJ3+ burns, on average, 10 per cent less fuel and costs five per cent less in maintenance per flight hour versus other aircraft in the light jet segment.

flyExclusive' fractional programme offers a share in a brand new CJ3+ and access to flyExclusive's entire feet. There is no monthly management fee, rather it is based on a daily rate concept, and there are no position fees or daily minimums.

“flyExclusive customers now have it all,” says Segrave. “They now have the choice of our Jet Club, Fractional and Partnership programmes. With flyExclusive Fractional, private flyers can purchase a fractional share in a brand new CJ3+ and unlock a world of possibilities for consistent, world-class private jet experiences on our versatile fleet.

“We continue to innovate in the marketplace with a fully owned and operated fleet and a vertically integrated business model that redefines what it means to fly private. We will continue to identify new opportunities to extend reliability, flexibility and unmatched private jet charter experiences for our customers and now, for our flyExclusive Fractional owners.”