Air Charter Scotland Retires Final Citation Jet 1
Air Charter Scotland has officially retired its last Citation Jet 1, marking the end of an era for the UK-based charter operator. Known for its premium private jet services, Air Charter Scotland initially managed three Citation Jet 1 aircraft, retiring two by 2011 and temporarily reintroducing the model in 2021. Now, with the final Citation Jet 1 phased out, the company continues its evolution in private aviation.
Final Flight of the Last Citation Jet 1
The six-seater Citation Jet 1, registered as G-COBN (msn 525-0429), completed its final journey for Air Charter Scotland on October 12, 2024, flying from Cannes Mandelieu to Oxford Kidlington. Shortly after, the aircraft was listed for sale with ElliottJets and re-registered in the United States as N429EA. On October 30-31, 2024, it made a transatlantic journey to Minneapolis Flying Cloud, with stops in Wick, Reykjavik Domestic, Iqaluit, and Duluth International.
Originally delivered in the United States, this 23.5-year-old Citation Jet 1 had a diverse operational history, including a decade under Spanish registration with Gestair Private Jets from 2004 to 2014. The aircraft eventually joined Air Charter Scotland in 2021, where it served for three years before being retired.
Current Fleet and Strategic Expansion
With the retirement of its final Citation Jet 1, Air Charter Scotland now operates a fleet of eight aircraft. The company’s current lineup includes:
- Two Citation Jet 2s
- One Citation Latitude
- One Dassault Falcon 7X
- One Embraer Legacy 500
- One Legacy 600
- One Praetor 600
- The newly added Embraer EMB-135ER, introduced in September 2024 and operating on behalf of Zurich-based Travelcoup.
Air Charter Scotland’s diverse fleet is designed to accommodate a variety of charter needs, from short-haul regional flights to long-distance international journeys, allowing the company to cater to an extensive client base across Europe and beyond. Specializing in private jet charters, aircraft management, maintenance, and acquisitions, the operator is well-regarded for its reliability and service quality.
Expanding Operations through Air Charter Scotland Europe
In addition to its UK operations, Air Charter Scotland holds a 49% ownership in Air Charter Scotland Europe, based in Malta. The remaining 51% is owned by Dutch national Elisabeth Hendrika McFarlane. Air Charter Scotland Europe operates six aircraft from its Maltese base, including:
- Two Bombardier Challenger 350s
- One Citation Jet 2+
- Three Citation Excel jets
The Maltese division complements Air Charter Scotland’s UK fleet, providing enhanced access to European destinations and reinforcing the company’s international presence. This strategic partnership enables Air Charter Scotland to offer flexible, on-demand charter services across Europe, responding to a growing demand for private and business aviation.
Looking Ahead: A Modern Fleet for Future Growth
The retirement of the Citation Jet 1 reflects Air Charter Scotland’s commitment to modernizing its fleet to meet evolving market needs. With a focus on larger, more advanced aircraft, the company is positioned to serve clients looking for comfort, performance, and flexibility in private aviation. By continuously adapting its fleet and expanding its partnerships, Air Charter Scotland maintains its reputation as a top choice in the UK’s private aviation market.
As Air Charter Scotland enhances its service offerings and fleet capabilities, it stands ready to cater to high-end travel demands, offering tailored solutions for private and business travelers alike.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com