US fractional ownership company Flexjet is setting its sights on international expansion but will evaluate its customers’ missions and expectations before it selects long-range aircraft types and establishes partnership in key international locations.

Speaking at the show yesterday, Kenn Ricci, principal and founder of Flexjet soon-to-be parent company Directional Aviation Capital, said there is a clear desire for Flexjet to expand its global reach and to acquire long-range aircraft to service this offering. However the decision could take some time. “We want to see the demand before we make any decision,” he said.

Flexjet is the largest Bombardier business jet customer, with orders and options for 265 business jets. The deal covers the superlight Learjet 75, super-midsize Challenger 350 and large cabin 605.

Flexjet president Deanna White says the new twin jets will be used to satisfy the expected growth in demand for its fractional and card programs and rejuvenate the fleet, which has an average age of around six years.

DAC’s acquisition of Flexjet last month from Bombardier removes the company’s obligation to only operate business jets manufactured by the Canadian airframer.

While the fractional operator will not comment on the types of aircraft under consideration, White admits there are advantages to sticking with a single manufacturer in terms of aircraft conformity and ease of operation.

Both White and Ricci agree their first step is to offer an international service to its established US customer base. “Popular routes are the East Coast to Hawaii and the US to Europe,” Ricci says.

Once these services are established, Flexjet may form strategic partnerships with global operators to widen its international client base.

“Latin America, for example, is a growing and often overlooked market. There is a small group of well-respected operators in the region with whom we could partner,” he adds.

Ricci is no stranger to such operating partnerships. In 2000, his Flight Options fractional ownership subsidiary formed a agreement with UK charter and management company Chauffair to provide charter services in Europe for visiting US customers. Chauffair collapsed in
late 2001.

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Source: Flight Daily News