Tue, Apr 12, 2022
Business Aviation Boom Continues Unabated, Allowing Rapid Expansion for Those Ready to Pounce
Fractional private jet operator Flexjet has announced its expansion plans, which will see the addition of 350 pilots and 50 aircraft to be integrated by the end of 2022.
The pandemic, oddly enough, was quite kind to fractional and private jet operators, as swathes of well-heeled clientele found the climate aboard commercial carriers far more troublesome than it was worth. The extra business quickly brought Flexjet to capacity, requiring expansion to serve their customer base to the same standards as before. Flexjet currently employs 800 pilots who fly a fleet 200-strong featuring a variety of bizjets. Embraer Phenom 300s, Legacy 450s, Praetor 500s, Bombardier Challenger 350s, Gulfstream G450, and 650s comprise Flexjet's roster of aircraft. The company expects 50 more jets to be added to the fleet by the end of the year, but exact makes and models have not been disclosed.
Flexjet is not immune from the market forces inherent to the industry, however. Their need for "new meat in the right seat" has led them to be a little more enticing to prospective hires who often gravitate towards commercial carriers. First, Flexjet offers starting pay of $128,000 for first-year pilots, with additional productivity-based bonuses. Their home-based crewing offers employees 100 domiciles to choose from, with the option to move as often as they see fit. The life of a fractional jet pilot is something they advertise as far more desirable than the majors, boasting a flexible, preferential bidding system just like the big boys. A variety of small quality of life niceties are also included, with paid type ratings, no training contracts, ipads and phones with company-paid data plans, and a full operations support program while on the road. Upgrades are yearly, (at least, according to company recruiters.)
The expansion should be complete by 2023, though new hire classes will likely gap out the full introduction of many of the new-hires.
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