Freedom Air Optimistic About Eclipse Fleet’s Future

Freedom Air LLC (FDJ, Chicago Executive) remains confident in the prospects of its Eclipse fleet, viewing it as the most economical business jet available. Kenneth Ross, the owner, expressed this optimism during an interview at the NBAA-BACE convention in Las Vegas, emphasizing the Eclipse’s cost-effectiveness for short to medium-range flights. “It is the most economical aircraft to rent or charter for 600-700 nautical miles or less. Literally, it costs half of what everybody else charters. And so our business stays very busy. We have had repeat customers for many years at this stage. For our program, there’s very little marketing mainly because we have a stable repeat customer base,” Ross stated.

Ross brings a wealth of experience to Freedom Air, having started his career as an aviation lawyer before managing and owning multiple Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), charter, and maintenance companies. He served as president of Eclipse Aerospace from 2009 to 2017, the entity that took over Eclipse Aviation after its bankruptcy. Ross remains convinced that the Eclipse 500 and its upgraded variant, the Eclipse 550, continue to be highly attractive options in the ultra-light jet segment, facing little competition.

Currently, Freedom Air operates one Eclipse 500 and one Eclipse 550 under its Part 135 certificate, based in Colorado Springs. These aircraft are managed on behalf of their owners, and the company has no plans to purchase its own jets. Ross highlighted the success of this model, noting that not owning the aircraft has allowed for a more efficient and financially stable operation. In the past, Freedom Air managed a diverse range of aircraft, including turboprops like King Airs and PC-12s, as well as larger jets such as the GIV. However, the company has since streamlined its fleet to focus on the Eclipses, prioritizing operational efficiency over expansion.

Ross pointed out that for smaller charter and management companies, margins are typically low, making expansion and the pursuit of new customers potentially costly and unsustainable. “There is a substantial number of Part 135 operators that will represent to owners that they make money on the aircraft. That’s simply not true,” he explained, drawing from his experience as an investment consultant in the industry. He stressed the importance of financial prudence and balancing investment costs to ensure the long-term viability of a charter business.

Despite challenges in the maintenance sector, particularly the slow delivery of Pratt & Whitney engine parts, Freedom Air has managed to keep its Eclipses operational, averaging 500-600 charter hours annually. Ross reassured that minor delays in maintenance have not significantly impacted the business operations. He remains optimistic that with the right evolution of vendor relationships, the Eclipse fleet can remain active for another two decades or more, similar to the enduring legacy of Learjets, which continue to be upgraded with new avionics and components despite being out of production.

Looking ahead, Ross acknowledged the potential need to explore new-generation aircraft, citing the Citation M2 as a favorable option due to its simplicity and strong maintenance support. However, Freedom Air currently has no immediate plans for fleet expansion, preferring to maintain its existing model, which has proven successful without extensive marketing efforts. The company’s focus remains on efficiently managing its current fleet and sustaining its stable customer base.

Freedom Air’s charter market remains robust, with demand comparable to the past 10-15 years, excluding the exceptional spike during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Eclipse jets, seating up to four passengers with an average occupancy of less than two, continue to attract mid-level business owners and small corporate clients seeking cost-effective travel options. Based in Colorado Springs, Freedom Air frequently serves popular leisure destinations such as Aspen and Vail/Eagle, as well as various locations across California, Texas, and other states. The strong local demand has negated any plans to relocate the aircraft, though the company remains open to adding new bases should opportunities arise.

In addition to operating Eclipses, Freedom Air has established partnerships with other operators to offer off-fleet charters of larger aircraft, ensuring customer loyalty by providing flexible solutions tailored to their needs. Ross emphasized that the company’s success is rooted in understanding and serving its specific market effectively. “Companies that do well pick a market that they serve and serve it very well. You need to understand your market. You need to be judicious,” he affirmed.

Freedom Air’s strategic focus on the Eclipse fleet, combined with a stable repeat customer base and efficient operational model, positions the company well for continued success in the competitive business jet charter market. With careful financial management and a commitment to meeting customer needs, Freedom Air is poised to sustain its growth and maintain its reputation as a reliable and economical choice for private aviation.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com