Mayo Aviation Cuts Phenom 300, Streamlines Fleet
Mayo Aviation, based at Denver Centennial, has streamlined its charter fleet by retiring its sole Embraer Phenom 300 from its Part 135-certified operations. The aircraft, registered as N6232 (msn 50500255), which has been in service with the company since 2023, was officially removed from active operations in December 2024. According to ch-aviation research, the 10.1-year-old jet is no longer Part 135-certified and is currently in the process of having its US registration details amended. This move is part of a broader strategic effort to simplify fleet composition and focus on more efficient and operationally sound aircraft.
The Phenom 300 had been an important asset for Mayo Aviation, known for providing reliable charter services in the business aviation market. However, as the aviation industry continues to evolve, operators like Mayo Aviation are increasingly reevaluating their fleet strategies to ensure an optimal mix of aircraft that best serve their customer demands and operational needs. With the removal of the Phenom 300, the carrier now operates a leaner fleet, which includes a Citation Jet 3, a Citation Sovereign, and a Hawker 850XP—aircraft renowned for their performance and reliability. In addition, the fleet features a PC-12 and three King Air B200s, with the latter being leased to Flight for Life for air ambulance and medevac missions.
This fleet restructuring comes at a time when Mayo Aviation is undergoing significant consolidation under its parent holding, George J. Priester Aviation, following a takeover in 2022. This integration has allowed the group to streamline its operations and focus on delivering high-quality charter services. Under the consolidation, sister company Priester Aviation (PWA, Chicago Executive) now operates 21 aircraft under its Part 135 certificate, and it is the group’s sole charter operator of Embraer jets, with a single Praetor 600 currently in its fleet. Meanwhile, another group entity, Hill Private Aviation, does not maintain its own jet certificate but instead operates some of the aircraft housed on Priester Aviation’s certificate.
The decision to retire the Phenom 300 aligns with the group’s broader strategy to optimize its fleet by focusing on aircraft that offer better performance, efficiency, and market adaptability. With the aviation market evolving in response to increasing regulatory pressures and heightened safety standards, streamlining the fleet ensures lower maintenance costs and more effective resource allocation. By concentrating on a select group of proven aircraft models—such as the Citation series and the Hawker 850XP—the company can ensure that its operations remain both cost-effective and customer-focused.
In a recent exclusive interview with ch-aviation, Priester Aviation Chairman Andy Priester revealed ambitious plans to acquire additional family-owned aircraft management and charter companies. This strategic direction is aimed at expanding the group’s presence in the business aviation sector, enhancing its operational capabilities and increasing its market share. Such consolidations are expected to foster greater synergies, leading to improved service delivery and more robust financial performance across the group.
As Mayo Aviation moves forward with its revised fleet strategy, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the charter market. The retirement of the Phenom 300 serves as a timely reminder of the importance of fleet modernization and operational efficiency in sustaining a competitive edge in the dynamic aviation landscape.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com