Century Jets Retires Sole Falcon 900
Century Jets has retired its only Falcon 900 from its Part 135-certified fleet, marking a significant fleet update for the charter operator. The 38.1-year-old aircraft, registered as N316SS (msn 8), had been part of Century Jets’ lineup since 2014. Despite its retirement from the Part 135 certification, the Falcon 900 remains active; it recently completed a flight from the Virgin Islands to Nashville International and then returned to its base at Manassas on January 5, 2025.
The decision to retire the Falcon 900 reflects Century Jets’ ongoing strategy to streamline its fleet in order to focus on more modern and efficient platforms. While the aging Falcon 900 has served the company well for nearly four decades, the evolving demands of the charter market and higher operating costs associated with older aircraft have prompted the move. The aircraft is no longer listed as Part 135-certified for any operator, which points to a deliberate choice by Century Jets to transition away from legacy jets in favor of newer models that offer enhanced performance and efficiency.
Following the retirement of the Falcon 900, Century Jets now maintains a more refined fleet. The current charter fleet includes two Falcon 50s, two BAe-125-1000A models, a BAe-125-1000B, a Beechjet 400XT, a Citation X, and a GIV. This streamlined fleet is designed to cater to a range of travel needs from short to long-haul charters, ensuring optimal efficiency and customer satisfaction. By concentrating on these models, Century Jets aims to provide high-quality service while reducing maintenance complexities and operating expenses associated with older aircraft.
The Falcon 900 had a long history in the charter sector, known for its performance, reliability, and comfort. Its service with Century Jets began in 2014, and over the years it carved a niche among customers seeking a refined, mid-size business jet experience. However, maintaining such an aged aircraft can pose challenges, including increased fuel consumption, higher maintenance costs, and more frequent service disruptions. Removing the Falcon 900 from the active Part 135-certified fleet represents a strategic decision intended to optimize the fleet’s overall performance and align with modern industry standards.
Century Jets’ latest fleet revision is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry, where many charter operators are updating their aircraft to meet contemporary efficiency and reliability benchmarks. The company’s current focus on operating a fleet composed primarily of more modern business jets, such as the Citation X and the Beechjet 400XT, ensures that customers receive a smoother, more cost-effective travel experience. This fleet optimization not only benefits clients by offering enhanced comfort and reliability but also helps the operator manage operating costs more effectively amid a competitive market.
In addition to providing private jet charter services, Century Jets offers a comprehensive suite of aviation solutions including aircraft management, maintenance, and consulting services. The fleet update further positions the company to better meet the evolving needs of its high-net-worth clientele and corporate customers.
As the charter industry continues to evolve, operators like Century Jets are expected to continue refining their fleets to embrace newer technology and deliver an exceptional level of service. The retirement of the Falcon 900 is a testament to Century Jets’ commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art fleet that can reliably serve its diverse customer base.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com