Fly Exclusive

Fly Exclusive. It is a prominent American private jet charter and fractional ownership company headquartered in Kinston, North Carolina. Founded in 2017 by Thomas J. Smith, the company has rapidly expanded its operations to become a significant player in the general aviation sector. Fly Exclusive maintains a large, diverse fleet and operates a Part 135 air carrier certificate, providing on-demand charter services across North America, the Caribbean, and Central America.

History

The company was established in 2017 by aviation entrepreneur Thomas J. Smith, who previously held leadership roles at Delta Private Jets and JetSuite. Its founding was based on a strategy of controlled growth through strategic fleet acquisitions and a focus on operational excellence. A significant milestone was achieved in 2021 when Fly Exclusive received a substantial equity investment from the global investment firm KKR & Co., providing capital for further expansion. This period of growth included the acquisition of competitor Linear Air in 2022, integrating its operations and expanding Fly Exclusive's market presence in the Northeastern United States. The company continues to be led by its founder, who serves as Chief Executive Officer, guiding its strategy from its primary operational base at the Kinston Regional Jetport.

Fleet

Fly Exclusive operates one of the largest and most diverse fleets in the private aviation industry, consisting entirely of Cessna Citation aircraft models. The fleet is categorized into light, midsize, and super-midsize jets to serve a wide range of mission profiles. Light jet options include the Cessna Citation CJ2, Cessna Citation CJ3, and Cessna Citation CJ4, known for efficiency on shorter routes. The midsize category features the Cessna Citation Excel and the popular Cessna Citation XLS, while the super-midsize segment is anchored by the Cessna Citation Sovereign. This standardized fleet strategy, focused on a single manufacturer, aims to enhance maintenance efficiency, pilot training commonality, and operational reliability across its network of bases, which include facilities at Dallas Love Field and Chicago Midway International Airport.

Services

The company's core service is on-demand air charter under its Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 operating certificate, providing access to its entire fleet for individual trips. For clients seeking more consistent access, Fly Exclusive offers a fractional ownership program through its Jet Club, which provides guaranteed availability with reduced acquisition costs compared to whole aircraft ownership. Additional services include comprehensive aircraft management for third-party owners, handling all operational, maintenance, and crewing logistics. The company also provides dedicated cabin safety training and emphasizes personalized customer service through dedicated flight coordinators and concierge support, ensuring a seamless travel experience from booking to arrival.

Destinations

Fly Exclusive provides charter services primarily throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean Basin. Its aircraft are capable of operating into a vast array of airports, including major hubs like John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, as well as smaller general aviation facilities such as Aspen/Pitkin County Airport and Nantucket Memorial Airport. This access to thousands of airports, far more than those served by commercial airlines, is a key advantage of private jet travel. International capabilities extend to popular leisure destinations in the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and throughout Central America, subject to standard international flight planning and customs procedures.

Corporate affairs

The company is privately held, with a significant ownership stake held by the investment firm KKR & Co. following its 2021 growth investment. Its corporate headquarters and main operational base are located at the Kinston Regional Jetport in North Carolina. Fly Exclusive holds a Part 135 air carrier certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and adheres to rigorous safety protocols, including an International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) registration. The company actively engages in industry associations like the National Business Aviation Association and focuses on pilot recruitment and training, often sourcing talent from leading aviation universities such as Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and Purdue University.

Category:Aviation companies of the United States Category:Companies based in North Carolina Category:Private jet companies