Custom Jet Charters Loses Part 135 Certification
Custom Jet Charters (CJE), a private jet operator based at West Palm Beach International, has recently been removed from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) list of Part 135 holders, signaling a significant shift in its operational status. Previously, the operator managed a Part 135-certified fleet of three aircraft: a Citation XLS+, a Gulfstream G200, and a Gulfstream G280. This change leaves these jets without an active Part 135 certification, impacting Custom Jet Charters’ ability to conduct on-fleet charter operations.
Aircraft Transfers and Status Updates
The Citation XLS+ (N963AD), formerly operated by Custom Jet Charters, has transitioned to the Part 135 certificate of Jet 1 Charter, making it the first Citation XLS+ in Jet 1’s fleet. This 3.5-year-old jet last flew under Custom Jet Charters’ ‘CJE’ code on August 22, 2024, when it completed a series of flights from New Bedford to Rockford, Vail/Eagle, and finally Naples Municipal. After being parked, it resumed activity with a test flight on October 2, followed by a journey to Sarasota/Bradenton. Originally delivered to Custom Jet Charters, this aircraft now adds new capacity for Jet 1 Charter.
The G200 and G280, previously listed under Custom Jet Charters, are currently unaffiliated with any certified operator. The G200 has seen limited use, completing only seven flights in 2024, with most flights occurring in January. The G280, added to Custom Jet Charters’ Part 135 certificate in August 2024, was actively flying but is no longer associated with the ‘CJE’ code.
Another noteworthy change involves Custom Jet Charters’ Legacy 600 (N494TG), which joined its Part 135 fleet in early 2024. However, it has since moved to the Part 135 fleet of Business Jet Services (Dallas Love Field), where it became the operator’s first Legacy 600. This nearly 20-year-old jet has consistently flown under its current registration and was part of Custom Jet Charters since 2018.
Operational Focus Shift for Custom Jet Charters
Following the loss of its Part 135 certification, Custom Jet Charters has adjusted its operational approach. The operator has announced it will not be quoting on-fleet charter flights and is now exclusively handling off-fleet charter requests. Alongside charter brokering, Custom Jet Charters provides a suite of services, including aircraft management, sales, acquisitions, and maintenance.
Custom Jet Charters’ updated focus allows it to continue its brokering and management services, while its certification status remains uncertain. ch-aviation has reached out to the operator for further clarification on its plans and certification future.
Jet 1 Charter and Business Jet Services: Expanding Fleets
Jet 1 Charter, which now operates the Citation XLS+ previously managed by Custom Jet Charters, maintains a charter fleet comprising two Citation Excel jets, one Citation XLS, one Citation XLS+, and one Learjet 60XR. This expansion reflects Jet 1 Charter’s continued growth in the private charter sector.
Business Jet Services, now home to Custom Jet Charters’ Legacy 600, operates 12 aircraft under Part 135, including high-demand models such as Challenger 300s, Challenger 350s, Citation Sovereigns, and various Dassault Falcon jets. Based at Dallas Love Field, Business Jet Services also provides fixed base operations (FBO), offering a full spectrum of charter and aviation services to clients.
Industry Implications
The loss of Custom Jet Charters’ Part 135 certification comes amid competitive dynamics in the private charter market, with operators like Jet 1 Charter and Business Jet Services strengthening their fleets. This change also highlights the evolving nature of private aviation, where operators must navigate regulatory and operational challenges to meet market demands.
As Custom Jet Charters navigates this transition, its focus on off-fleet services underscores a strategic pivot to maintain relevance in a competitive industry, even without on-fleet charter capabilities.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com