Flexjet takes first Praetor 500 from its $1.4 billion order

Flexjet has taken delivery of the first Praetor 500 from its $1.4 billion October 2019 order with Embraer. The fractional jet company is the first fleet customer for the aircraft.

“We have long been partners with Embraer, helping to launch aircraft such as the Legacy Executive, the Phenom 300 and the Legacy 450. Now we take the next step in that relationship, making the Praetor 500 — the most technologically advanced aircraft in its category —available to Flexjet Owners first,” said Michael Silvestro, CEO of Flexjet. “Just weeks from announcing our order, the Praetor 500 is here to offer unparalleled speed, range and performance for its category to Flexjet Owners.”

The company’s order consisted of a mix of Praetor 500 and 600 aircraft and Phenom 300 light jets.

Flexjet will also convert its existing Legacy 450 aircfraft into Praetor 500s.

“As the Praetor Fleet Launch Customer, Flexjet, once again, will lead the fractional ownership market with the introduction of this modern midsize aircraft,” said Michael Amalfitano, president & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “It is with much gratitude and pride that we deliver our first Praetor 500 to Flexjet, confident that Flexjet Owners will enjoy the ultimate customer experience in aviation.”

10 Key Steps to Entering a new Flexjet Aircraft Into Service

Flexjet explains how it adds new aircraft

After accepting more than 100 new aircraft deliveries in recent history, Flexjet has a well-established process for how to enter a new aircraft into service. Here’s a look behind the scenes:

Upon placing an aircraft order, Flexjet works closely with the manufacturer, in this case Embraer, to understand the production timeline and outfitting in real time to more effectively plan for the aircraft’s entry into service.

This process includes everything from coordinating the design and materials sourcing for the Red Label LXi Cabin Collection interiors to planning ahead for when Flexjet operations can expect the aircraft to enter service and add capacity to the fleet.

Once an aircraft is ready, a team consisting of Flexjet maintenance personnel and pilots flies from Flexjet’s Global Headquarters in Cleveland, OH to Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos in São Paulo, Brazil.

On the first day, the flight crew takes the new aircraft on what is called an “acceptance flight” to ensure the aircraft performs to specifications.

In addition, onsite Flexjet maintenance personnel check each and every technical and fit and finish aspect of the aircraft – including Flexjet’s unique livery – throughout the week to make sure it matches what is outlined in the aircraft manual exactly, with no deviation.

The manufacturer works in with Flexjet flight crews and maintenance technicians to correct any identified variance so the aircraft is brought to standard in real time.

The goal is to end the week with formal acceptance of the aircraft and its flight back to the Flexjet Global Headquarters.

Once the aircraft reaches Flexjet’s Cleveland facility, it enters internal modification and acceptance. This includes final touches to the aircraft’s aesthetics, internal outfitting and stocking the aircraft with all items the flight crew and Owners will need once it enters service.

When all departments have signed off on the aircraft, it is ready to enter service. The aircraft’s tail number on the giant screen in the Operations Control Center at Flexjet’s global headquarters hawill show up in “Green” in the area showing the aircraft available to take Owners to their destinations.

From there, the new aircraft is assigned its first itinerary and it is off on the first of thousands of trips to pick up and transport Flexjet Owners to wherever they are going, whether it is a visit to family, a vacation abroad or a business trip.