NetJets and several large business jet operators announce new orders

Several large business jet operators have either announced orders or signaled their intention to grow their fleets. NetJets, the world’s largest operator of private jets, with over 600, said it is adding 100 new aircraft by the end of 2022 after already taking 25 so far this year.

Flexjet, the second largest fractional operator behind NetJets, is doubling its Gulfstream G650 and accelerating deliveries across the board. In 2019, it placed a $1.4 billion order with Embraer for a mix of Phenom 300s and Praetor 500s and 600s.

In April, Vista Global Holding revealed an order for a dozen Bombardier Global 7500s and 10 more Challenger 350s for VistaJet. It also picked up a minority stake in Talon Air, adding 33 large, super-midsize, and midsize private jets. Last week officals told Aviation International News it is launching a European fleet for its XO brand with three Citation XLS midsize jets. Earlier today, it reaffirmed plans to triple the fleet of Red Wing Aviation, another operator where it has a minority interest.

In May, Lenexa, Kansas-based Airshare said it would add up to 20 new Challenger 350s, a deal at list price that is valued at $540 million. The company, which counts Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as an ambassador, plans to expand beyond its current footprint which runs from the Rockies to Texas, the Midwest and Great Lakes region.

In June, Mike Guina, president of Kinston, North Carolina-based FlyExclusive, said the charter operator is looking grow its fleet from 72 aircraft with 40 to 50 preowned jets in the next 24 months. It is opening its own paint and refurbishment facility later this month

Jet Linx Aviation, which has been expanding through acquisition, announced earlier this week two new executive positions as it looks to step up its M&A activity.

Not everyone is jumping into the deep end of the pool. Oxford, Mississippi-based Nicholas Air, which tends to buy aircraft new, but in small increments, seems to be holding off for the moment. Its vice president Peder Von Harten says prices are “30-to-40% higher than the airframe is worth due to simple supply and demand economics” said to forbes.com.