Solutions Air Charter Retires Its Last Citation III Jet
Solutions Air Charter, based at Indianapolis Regional Airport, has officially retired the sole Citation III business jet from its Part 135 charter fleet, according to ch‑aviation data. The 40.8‑year‑old aircraft, registered as N953JF (msn 650‑0043), had served nine‑passenger configurations since joining the company’s roster in 2019. The retirement marks the end of an era for the long‑serving jet and underscores the operator’s ongoing focus on fleet efficiency and reliability.
The Citation III first appeared on Solutions Air Charter’s operating certificate as a core component of its on‑demand charter offerings. After a lengthy period of inactivity from June 2024 through February 2025, N953JF briefly returned to service earlier this year to fulfil outstanding flight commitments. However, the aircraft’s advanced age and growing maintenance demands ultimately led the company to remove it from its Part 135‑certified lineup.
With N953JF’s retirement, Solutions Air Charter now operates a streamlined fleet comprised exclusively of Cessna Citation models. The company’s current Part 135 certificate covers two Citation Bravo jets, three Citation Excel models (one of which has been parked since December 2024), one Citation XLS, and a high‑speed Citation X. This concentrated fleet strategy allows Solutions Air Charter to maintain consistent pilot training, spare parts inventories, and maintenance protocols—key factors in providing reliable charter services to corporate and private clients.
“We are committed to offering our customers modern, fuel‑efficient aircraft with proven performance,” said a company spokesperson. “Retiring the Citation III enables us to focus on contemporary Citation models that deliver lower operating costs and enhanced cabin comfort.” The Citation Bravo and Excel aircraft in the fleet feature updated avionics suites and more economical engines, while the Citation X continues to serve clients requiring transcontinental range and high‑speed capabilities.
Solutions Air Charter’s decision reflects broader trends in the Part 135 charter market, where operators increasingly favor younger, more efficient business jets over aging legacy types. The Citation III, introduced in the early 1980s, was once celebrated for its range and cabin size but now requires specialized maintenance and parts sourcing that can drive up operating expenses. By transitioning to a uniform Citation‑only fleet, Solutions Air Charter aims to improve dispatch reliability and minimise downtime, ensuring clients benefit from predictable scheduling and consistent service levels.
In addition to charter flights, Solutions Air Charter offers aircraft management services, supporting private owners with comprehensive solutions that include crew staffing, maintenance oversight, and regulatory compliance. The company’s balanced approach—combining on‑demand charter operations with professional management services—has solidified its reputation in the Midwestern aviation market.
Looking forward, Solutions Air Charter plans to explore opportunities to refresh its fleet further with next‑generation light and mid‑sized jets. Industry sources suggest the company may consider newer Citation Latitude or Citation M2 models to expand its range of services and capture emerging demand for cost‑effective, short‑haul business travel. Any future additions would leverage the efficiencies gained through the current fleet’s commonality in pilot training and maintenance infrastructure.
For passengers, the removal of the Citation III from service may go unnoticed, as the remaining fleet continues to offer a blend of comfort, speed, and reliability. The two‑seat‑per‑row configuration in the Citation Excel, combined with the spacious cabins of the Citation X and XLS, ensures that Solutions Air Charter’s clientele still enjoys premium business jet experiences.
As the charter operator closes the chapter on its longtime Citation III, it reinforces its commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. By focusing on a streamlined, modern fleet and flexible aircraft management solutions, Solutions Air Charter is well‑positioned to meet the evolving needs of business and private aviation customers in the years ahead.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com