The private jet services company flyExclusive, based in Kinston, NC, has positioned itself as a major player in the jet card, charter, and fractional ownership space. It has one of the largest fleets of Cessna Citation jets in the U.S.

Here, we’ll explore the company’s development and the aircraft models that comprise the flyExclusive fleet.

The Cessna Citation Family

flyExclusive operates a diverse range of Cessna Citation aircraft, catering to different mission profiles and passenger needs. Their fleet includes:

Citation CJ3/CJ3+

The Citation CJ3+ is a light jet that forms a significant part of flyExclusive’s fleet. The CJ3+ offers midsize range, speed, and efficiency.

Citation CJ3/CJ3+ Performance

Maximum Range

2,040 NM

Maximum Cruise Speed

417 kts (480 mph)

Passenger Capacity

Up to 6 in a 4+2 seating arrangement

Cabin Dimensions

4’7″ height, 4’8″ width, 5’7″ length

Baggage Capacity

65 cubic feet

flyExclusive_Textron

Photo: Textron

The CJ3+ is known for its efficiency and performance, making it ideal for shorter trips and regional travel. flyExclusive has recently been named the fleet launch customer for the newly announced Citation CJ3 Gen2, further expanding their light jet offerings.

Citation Excel/XLS

The Citation Excel and its successor, the XLS, are popular midsize jets in the flyExclusive fleet. These aircraft offer passengers a balance of range, speed, and comfort.

Citation Sovereign

The Citation Sovereign is a super-midsize jet that provides greater range and passenger capacity compared to the Excel/XLS models.

Citation X

The fastest civilian aircraft in the Citation family, the Citation X offers impressive speed and range for long-distance travel.

Citation Encore/Encore+

These light jets complement the CJ3/CJ3+ in flyExclusive’s fleet, providing additional options for shorter trips and smaller passenger groups.

Fleet Expansion and Modernization

flyExclusive has been actively expanding and modernizing its fleet since its beginning in 2015. flyExclusive was started in 2015 by Jim Segrave, the former CEO of Delta Private Jets. Delta Private Jets purchased Segrave’s company, Segrave Aviation, in 2010 as it expanded the airline’s Delta AirElite brand.

Multiple aircraft in Kinston _FlyExclusive

Photo: flyExclusive

flyExclusive started with just four jets in 2015, expanded to 44 by 2019, and reached a total of 59 aircraft by 2020. The company became the fifth-largest private jet operator in the world.

  • In 2022, the company announced an order for up to 44 new Textron Aviation aircraft, including up to 30 CJ3+ light jets.
  • They have also agreed to purchase eight Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft for delivery in 2024.
  • Up to six Citation Longitudes are on order, with the first two deliveries expected in 2025.

This fleet expansion demonstrates flyExclusive’s commitment to offering its customers the latest in aviation technology and comfort.

Operational Highlights

flyExclusive’s fleet operations are characterized by:

  • A floating fleet of approximately 100 light- to heavy jets
  • WIFI-enabled aircraft across their Light, Mid, and Super-Mid categories
  • Pet-friendly policies on their aircraft
  • Top safety accreditations, including ARG/US Platinum and Wyvern Wingman certifications

Service Offerings

With its extensive Cessna-centric fleet, flyExclusive provides various service options:

  1. On-demand charter flights
  2. Jet Club membership with guaranteed access to the fleet
  3. Fractional ownership programs, particularly with the CJ3+ and Challenger 350 aircraft
  4. Aircraft ownership and leaseback programs

flyExclusive’s fleet, dominated by Cessna Citation aircraft, offers a comprehensive range of private aviation solutions. The company’s diverse fleet caters to a wide array of customer needs, from light jets for short hops to super-midsize aircraft for transcontinental flights. With ongoing fleet expansion and modernization efforts, flyExclusive is positioning itself as a leading private aviation player, leveraging Cessna Citation jets’ reliability and performance to deliver premium travel experiences.

flyExclusive’s fleet is predominantly composed of Cessna Citation aircraft. However, the company has added a non-Cessna aircraft type, the Bombardier Challenger 350.

In March 2024, flyExclusive announced the addition of Bombardier Challenger 350 aircraft to its fleet. The company plans to add approximately 20 Challenger 350s as part of its Fleet Refresh Program. These super-midsize jets will be available in their Fractional Program.

In addition, on September 24, 2024, flyExclusive announced that it had entered into an Aircraft Management Services Agreement with Volato Group, Inc. Volato is the largest HondaJet operator in the United States.

Under the terms of the agreement, flyExclusive will manage flight operations, sales, and expenses of Volato’s fleet of 13 fractional ownership aircraft, eight leased aircraft, and four managed aircraft. In the months ahead, flyExclusive will transfer the aircraft to the flyExclusive 135 air carrier certificate.

Jim_Seagrave_CEO_flyExclusive

Photo: flyExclusive

flyExclusive acquired a Gulfstream IVSP with the acquisition of Sky Night, LLC in 2020. The aircraft enabled flyExclusive to add international flights. However, Brandon Greene, Sr. Vice President of Fleet Development at flyExclusive, told Simple Flying, “The Gulfstream IVSP was sold as part of our fleet refresh initiative. The Challenger 350 will replace it.”

Jim Segrave is the founder, current chairman, and chief executive officer of flyExclusive. His company has grown to become among the world’s five largest private jet operators. The Kinston, North Carolina-based flyExclusive is an LGM Enterprises, LLC subsidiary. Segrave wholly owns the company.

flyExclusive employs over 800 people with estimated annual revenues of over $350 million. Since establishing flyExclusive in 2015, Segrave has implemented and managed substantial growth with a fleet reaching 100 jets. The company is the second-largest operator of Citation Jets in the world.

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