Four Corners Aviation Retires Last Citation XLS
Four Corners Aviation (ULA) has officially ended its Cessna Citation charter operations following the retirement of its sole Citation XLS, according to recent ch-aviation research. The aircraft, registered as N619FK (msn 560-5777), a 16.7-year-old jet configured to seat up to eight passengers, was last active under the ULA code on December 31, 2024. It operated a route between Dallas/Fort Worth and Dallas Addison, where it was based.
Originally registered in Sweden, the Citation XLS was exported to the United States in 2022 and subsequently joined Four Corners Aviation’s fleet in 2023. Despite its relatively recent addition to the fleet, the aircraft is now not listed as Part 135-certified, marking its complete retirement from active charter operations. This move signifies a decisive shift in Four Corners Aviation’s strategy, as the company has been streamlining its operations by retiring older and less efficient aircraft.
The retirement of the Citation XLS is part of a broader trend for Four Corners Aviation in 2024. The operator has recently retired seven other jets, including its only Citation Excel, as it continues to reassess and consolidate its charter fleet. Following this latest retirement, the company’s Part 135-certified fleet now consists solely of a single Learjet 45XR. This Learjet, which is 12.3 years old and also configured to seat up to eight passengers, is currently the sole aircraft supporting Four Corners Aviation’s charter operations.
This fleet contraction is reflective of industry-wide pressures, as operators seek to optimize their assets in a competitive market. By retiring older or underperforming jets, Four Corners Aviation aims to reduce maintenance costs, improve operational efficiency, and streamline its service offerings. While the decision to phase out the Citation XLS and other jets might narrow the range of available options for charter customers in the short term, it also positions the company to focus on quality and efficiency in its remaining fleet.
The retirement of multiple aircraft in 2024 appears to be a strategic response to changing market dynamics and internal cost-management initiatives. With a leaner fleet, Four Corners Aviation can potentially achieve better economies of scale and simplify its maintenance and operational processes. However, the reduction in fleet size also raises questions about the carrier’s future growth prospects and its ability to meet increasing customer demand in the charter sector.
Despite the challenges, the company remains committed to offering premium charter services. The Learjet 45XR, now the backbone of the operator’s fleet, is renowned for its reliability and efficiency on short to medium-haul routes. Its modern avionics and proven performance record are expected to help maintain a high level of service, even as the fleet size diminishes.
Industry observers will be closely monitoring Four Corners Aviation’s next steps as it navigates a period of transition. The decision to retire the Citation XLS and consolidate its fleet might also signal potential future investments in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft to better compete in the private jet charter market.
In summary, with the retirement of its last Citation XLS and several other jets, Four Corners Aviation has streamlined its Part 135-certified fleet to just a Learjet 45XR. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs, though it also underscores the challenges of balancing fleet size with market demand in an increasingly competitive aviation environment.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com