Solairus Retires Final Citation Sovereign Jet
Solairus Aviation (TWY, Novato) has taken a significant step in modernizing its fleet by retiring its final Citation Sovereign from its Part 135-certified operations. According to recent ch-aviation research, the aircraft in question, registered as N636BC (msn 680-0239) and 16.2 years old, was officially removed from Solairus’ active roster in December 2024.
The decision to retire N636BC marks the end of an era for the carrier, which had integrated the Citation Sovereign into its fleet in 2023. This was not the first experience the company had with the model; Solairus previously operated two other Sovereigns—one that was part of the fleet between 2012 and 2016, and another that joined operations in 2021 before being retired in 2023. The ongoing adjustments reflect a broader fleet management strategy aimed at maintaining operational efficiency, safety standards, and up-to-date technology.
Even though the Citation Sovereign is no longer part of Solairus Aviation’s Part 135-certified fleet, it continues to operate under a different banner. Since December 11, the jet has been flying under Buffalo River Aviation’s ‘OFT’ code. However, it’s important to note that Buffalo River Aviation does not have its own Part 135 certification. Instead, the company has arranged to offer charter services through a partnership with Central Flying Service, which enables them to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
Buffalo River Aviation currently offers a Citation Jet 3+ and a King Air F90 for charter services. Both of these aircraft operate under Buffalo River’s ‘OFT’ code but are certified under the Part 135 certificate held by Central Flying Service. This collaboration highlights a growing trend among charter operators who seek to optimize their fleet utilization while staying in line with evolving regulatory requirements.
As Solairus Aviation continues to update its fleet, its current charter operations now consist of a total of 139 aircraft. The company still operates several Citation models, including a newly added Citation Encore +, two Citation XLS+ jets, and a Citation XLS Gen2. This diversified fleet showcases the firm’s commitment to providing a wide range of services to meet varying customer demands, from business travel to leisure charters.
Beyond the Citation family, Solairus Aviation also manages an impressive assortment of aircraft from top-tier manufacturers. The company’s portfolio includes jets from Bombardier Business Aircraft, Dassault Aviation, Embraer Executive Jets, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Pilatus Aircraft. In late 2024, Solairus expanded its capabilities by inducting its first G700 and Challenger 3500 jets, demonstrating its ambition to offer the highest level of service and luxury to its clientele.
While ch-aviation reached out for additional information regarding the future of the retired Citation Sovereign, responses from Buffalo River Aviation and Central Flying Service have yet to be reported. Nonetheless, the move to retire the Sovereign reflects broader industry trends where operators refine their fleets in response to market demand, regulatory changes, and advancements in aviation technology.
As Solairus Aviation advances its fleet modernization initiatives, the retirement of the final Citation Sovereign serves as a milestone marking its shift toward a more contemporary and diverse mix of aircraft. This strategic fleet optimization promises enhanced efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction as the private jet charter and aircraft management firm continues to lead in a competitive aviation environment.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com