July 11, 2024
Jets.com is entering the new fractional market with Textron Aviation’s Citation XLS Gen2 via its Private Jet Center charter arm.
Jets.com’s aircraft management and Part 135 charter operator, Private Jet Center, has entered a purchase agreement with Textron Aviation for two new Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft.
It is the first direct from manufacturer aircraft from the charter operator arm of Jets.com.
“We are excited to add the Citation XLS Gen2 to our fleet,” said Clayton Pegher, CEO of Private Jet Center.
He added, “These aircraft are a logical first step toward our long-term goals of modernizing our fleet and developing additional aircraft ownership services in conjunction with our long-standing partner , Jets.com.
Pegher continued, “The new aircraft will help lower operating costs, increase dispatch reliability, and improve our successful employee retention program. This order is just the beginning of a more robust long-term plan of fleet growth through new aircraft acquisitions.”
The midsize jet aircraft are slated for delivery in 2025 and will be added to PJC’s Part 135 Air Carrier Certificate.
Private Jet Center is also preparing to order additional new large cabin aircraft.
It currently operates 14 Light, Midsize, and Super-Midsize aircraft, including 13 Citations, all available for on-demand charter.
Jets.com purchased a controlling interest in what was then known as Pittsburgh Jet Center in 2021 to provide an in-house lift for its jet card customers.
Until then, it had been a pure broker.
According to the announcement, a new fractional ownership program will be offered jointly by PJC and Jets.com.
Details will be unveiled later this year.
“We are thrilled to support Private Jet Center’s acquisition of these new aircraft,” said Daniel Satterlund, COO of Jets.com.
He added, “Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen our product offering for Jets.com clients and help PJC enhance their aircraft ownership offerings. Our shared vision is to empower clients with unparalleled access to luxury air travel, and the Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft is the perfect choice to further this initiative.”
Jets.com currently offers two jet card programs. Both include deicing, and neither charges taxi time.
It offers fixed hourly rates with guaranteed availability across the 48 Continental states, Canada, and the northern Caribbean.
Jet is also one of the few guaranteed-rate transatlantic options.
