The sale by Flexjet is part of its fleet modernization following a $7 billion order with Embraer earlier this year that includes Praetor 600s.
Twenty super-midsize Bombardier Challenger 300s that formerly were part of Flexjet’s fractional fleet are being sold to Baker Aviation.
Baker Aviation markets itself as focusing on the wholesale market.
Baker Aviation finished 2024 as the 13th-largest U.S. private jet operator ranked by fractional and charter flight hours.
From 2023 to 2024, it moved up from the 30th spot with 81.9% growth.
Flexjet was second in the rankings.
News of the sale was reported today by Corporate Jet Investor.
The Challengers were used by both Flexjet fractional owners as needed and by its FXAir brokerage as an in-house fleet for its Challenger 300 membership program.
And FXAir spokesperson tells Private Jet Card Comparisons, “FXAIR’s Aviator and Aviator+ membership program will continue to include access to FXSelect Challenger 300 aircraft – each held and operated to the standard of our sister company Flexjet.”
The aircraft were also available to its Sentient Jet jet card arm.
It derives most of its lift from third-party operators.
Sentient Jet President Allan Walsh adds, “Sentient Jet Card programs continue to provide access to a full range of aircraft within our Certified Operator Network, including Baker Aviation and the Challenger 300.”
He continues, “Sentient Jet remains committed to evolving our offerings and introducing new programs that align with our clients’ specific needs and emerging travel trends.”
Of the transaction, Flexjet CEO Mike Silvestro said, “Flexjet is committed to the ongoing modernization of our fleet, ensuring our aircraft owners have access to the most modern and technologically advanced aircraft available.”
He added, “This partnership with Baker Aviation allows these Challenger 300s to remain a productive part of the private aviation ecosystem, as we continue to take on delivery of new super-midsize aircraft in the form of the Embraer Praetor 600 and Bombardier Challenger 3500.”
In February, Flexjet placed a firm $7 billion order with Embraer that included its Praetor super-midsize jets.
The sale to Baker follows Vista Global’s sale of its Citation X fleet to Jet Excellence.
Jet Excellence also focuses on the wholesale segment.
Neither Jet Excellence nor Baker Aviation has a membership, jet card, or fractional program.
The latest FAA data shows that as of mid-September, Baker had 21 Citation Xs and a pair of Challenger 300s.
Baker Aviation CEO Tim Livingston told CJI, “This is a defining moment for Baker Aviation.”
He continued, The Challenger 300 is a proven performer, and bringing these additional aircraft into our existing fleet of 24 super mid-size aircraft allows us to offer even greater reliability, flexibility, and premium service to charter brokers.”
Livingston did not respond to several attempts to contact him.
The move is the second significant sale of a legacy fleet by a major operator.
In September, Vista Global sold its Citation X fleet to wholesale-focused Jet Excellence.
The move keeps the Challengers away from both FlyExclusive and Wheels Up.
Both have been building their super-midsize fleets around pre-owned Challenger super-midsize jets.
Flexjet, Inc. Chairman Kenn Ricci had previously said it would keep aircraft after exiting its fractional fleet.
The strategy, in part, prevented them from being used to compete against the company on the broader charter market.
It also allowed them to serve FXAir and Sentient Jet customers.
CJI quoted West Elk Aviation advisor Troy Larwson as saying, “This partnership is a prime example of aligning the needs of multiple stakeholders to create lasting value.”
He added, “Our role was to ensure efficient execution while supporting Baker Aviation’s ambitious vision and Flexjet’s fleet management strategy.”
(Editor’s note: Comments by Sentient Jet were added after publication)
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