Wheels Up Restructures Fleet and Certifications
Wheels Up has recently restructured its operational framework by consolidating its Part 135 certificates and accelerating its fleet modernization strategy. The company has folded the Part 135 certificate of Mountain Aviation into Wheels Up Partners and that of GrandView Aviation into Wheels Up Private Jets, as detailed in its latest filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. This strategic reorganization streamlines flight operations, standardizes procedures, and enables the company to better manage its diverse fleet while offering enhanced charter services and fixed-base operations.
Following the acquisition of GrandView Aviation and the subsequent transfer of Phenom 300 and Phenom 300E jets, Wheels Up has removed all aircraft from the former operator’s Part 135 certificate. While some Embraer Executive Jets already operate under the Wheels Up Private Jets “WUP” code, additional aircraft are currently undergoing interior and exterior refurbishment, which includes a new livery and updated cabin configurations. This refurbishment initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the fleet and maintain high service standards across all operations.
The consolidation of Mountain Aviation’s certificate into Wheels Up Partners was completed in December 2024. The process began with the transfer of Citation X jets and continued with the migration of Citation Jet 3, Citation Jet 3+, and GIV-SP aircraft. With these changes, Wheels Up now operates under two distinct Part 135 certificates. Wheels Up Private Jets provides private aircraft charter services alongside fixed-base operations and comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Meanwhile, Wheels Up Partners operates charter flights and is the registered owner of the company’s owned aircraft fleet. This dual-certificate structure is designed to optimize operational efficiency and support the company’s growing market presence.
Wheels Up Partners’ charter fleet currently includes six Citation Jet 3s, a Citation Jet 3+, and two GIV-SPs. On the other side, the Wheels Up Private Jets certificate covers a fleet that includes eight Citation Excel jets, seven Citation XLS models, twenty-four Citation X aircraft, eleven Phenom 300s, four Phenom 300Es, twenty-one Hawker 400XPs, and one Hawker 400XT. In addition, a total of seventeen Phenom 300-series jets are slated for transfer from GrandView Aviation, with further aircraft being added from other sources to eventually replace the Citation Excel, Citation Jet, and Hawker 400 fleets. This extensive fleet reshuffling is expected to enhance operational flexibility and improve the customer experience.
In a significant step toward fleet modernization, Wheels Up has acquired its first Challenger 300, registered as N944UP (msn 20451), an 11-year-old aircraft that was officially registered on March 5. Previously operated by Canada’s Chartright Air, the Challenger 300 is currently parked at Wichita Eisenhower and is scheduled to enter service in April 2025, alongside two additional leased Challenger 300 units. These jets, which are intended to eventually replace the aging Citation X fleet, will also undergo refurbishment to align with Wheels Up’s modern standards.
Despite reporting full-year revenues of USD792.1 million for 2024, Wheels Up recorded a net loss of USD339.6 million and an adjusted EBITDA of negative USD117.9 million. The recent restructuring, certificate consolidation, and fleet upgrades reflect the company’s commitment to driving long-term operational efficiency and sustainable growth in a competitive market.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com