Flexjet has agreed to terminate its previously announced business combination agreement with Horizon Acquisition Corporation II, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company. The arrangement would have resulted in Flexjet becoming a publicly listed company. As a result of the termination, Flexjet will remain a private company.

“Because we have been dedicated stewards of our capital, there will be no impact on the growth initiatives we have launched during the past several years, which remain full steam ahead,” says Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci. “We believe that the decision to terminate at this time is in the best interests of our aircraft owners, employees and other stakeholders.”

Todd Boehly, chairman and CEO of Eldridge and chairman, CEO and CFO of Horizon adds: “We have enjoyed and will continue our long partnership with Flexjet's management team and respect their decision. We are glad that Flexjet and Horizon were able to agree to the termination in a manner that is fair.”

Flexjet will remain opportunistic with respect to all capital markets and available opportunities moving forward. Added Ricci, “Flexjet and our other branded storefronts are highly sought-after and trusted brands with 40 years of history in the aviation sector. In 2022, we outperformed the financial targets provided at the start of the SPAC transaction and continue to deliver significant cash flows and compelling year-over-year growth. Our position of strength gives us the flexibility to access the public markets at the appropriate time.”

In 2023, Flexjet's plan for growth includes:

- Taking deliveries of aircraft, with an additional 37 expected this year, bringing the fleet to more than 270 aircraft by year-end (excluding helicopters). By the end of 2023, Flexjet will have added nearly 88 aircraft since Q1 2021.

- Bolstering an un-replicable global infrastructure, including additional private jet terminals, the largest in-house maintenance network in all of private aviation, maintenance facilities and a new world-class Cleveland headquarters, which will feature a state-of-the-art operations and control centre.

- Continued acquisitions of opportunity, such as the recent acquisition of Constant Aviation.

- Further expansion of the industry-first helicopter offering now operating in Europe and in the U.S. northeast, south Florida and London with Sikorsky S-76.

- Hiring across the organisation, including planned hiring of 388 additional flight crews and 338 aircraft maintenance technicians in 2023. In total, Flexjet is expected to hire an additional 1,400 employees.

“Changing course mid-stream is not the easiest path, but I have always respected our team for having the discipline to do just that,” continues Ricci. “We will remain nimble and alter course if necessary to ensure we are always doing what is truly in the best interest of our business. Nobody is better positioned to meet the needs of an expanding global private aviation market as is Flexjet.”