Flexjet touts safety ratings

The operator which sells fractional shares, leases, and jet cards said it has been awarded the FAA’s Diamond Award for Excellence for the 20th year in a row

Fractional share, lease, and jet card operator Flexjet LLC today announced that it has been awarded the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance Technician Training for 2018.

This marks the 20th consecutive year that Flexjet has been honored with the Diamond Award. In a press release, the company said that’s more than any other private jet travel provider.

“Safety is Flexjet’s utmost priority”

“Safety is Flexjet’s utmost priority, and achieving it starts on the ground, before an aircraft ever takes off, with aircraft that are maintained at the highest possible level to ensure maximum safety and performance,” said Flexjet Chief Executive Officer Michael Silvestro. “Our aircraft maintenance team members have extraordinary skill and expertise, and they sustain this excellence through constant training. Their hard work and dedication to their craft is reflected in this award, which honors their commitment to our Owners and flight crews.”

Established in 1991, the FAA Diamond Award is the premier level of recognition within the William (Bill) O’Brien Aviation Maintenance Technician Awards Program.

Qualifying for the award requires that all of Flexjet’s maintenance technicians participate in specialized, continuous training in aviation safety, technical knowledge, aircraft systems, aviation regulations and FAA rules over a 12-month period at levels that surpass not only FAA requirements but also industry standards. The criteria for the Diamond Award have become increasingly stringent, Flexjet said.

Argus Platinum since 2008

Flexjet has also now earned Argus Platinum status for six consecutive two-year periods since 2008. The Argus rating is the result of independent assessments and a multiday, onsite audit that measures best practices for safety.

Flexjet is also IS-BAO compliant at Level 2, based upon a global, voluntary code of best practices with a safety management system as its basis. IS-BAO conforms with the standards and practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization, making compliance the equivalent of achieving an international standard of safety excellence.

Flexjet, the release said it was the first fractional jet ownership program to meet the  Industry Audit Standard of the Air Charter Safety Foundation standards what it called “perhaps the toughest standard for Part 135.” Flexjet also is an active participant in the FAA’s innovative Part 5 Safety Management System.

Flexjet custom solutions

While Flexjet only offers jet cards on its Phenom 300 and Challenger 350 fleet, its custom solutions program fills the gap between across its fleet between its card products and fractional ownership and leases, which are typically a three to five-year commitment.

It has also been expanding its network of private VIP terminals exclusively for its customers from Teterboro and Palm Beach to include Love Field in Dallas. More recently Corporate Jet Investor suggested Flexjet is readying another billion dollar order from Gulfstream, while Aviation International News has reported that the company is planning to expand its footprint in Europe. Last year, parent Directional Aviation, which also owns Sentient Jet and Skyjet, acquired U.K.-based charter broker PrivateFly. The Living Legends of Aviation recently renamed its award for lifetime achievement after Directional chairman Kenn Ricci, who was also named to Town & Country’s list of top philanthropists.