In a response to record demand, fractional-share provider Flexjet has increased its pilot hiring goal this year—to 350, up from a previous 300—as it enlarges its business jet fleet and network of private terminals. Directional Aviation’s Cleveland-based company also expects to add 50 more jets this year, which would increase its fleet to 231 aircraft. Flexjet's fleet types include the Embraer Phenom 300, Legacy 450, and Praetor 500; Bombardier Challenger 350; and Gulfstream G450 and G650.
The company also is in the planning stages for a private terminal in Scottsdale, Arizona, adding to its network of such facilities at New Jersey's Teterboro Airport; Dallas Love Field; Florida’s Naples Airport and Palm Beach International Airport; New York's Westchester County Airport; and California's Van Nuys Airport. Additionally, Flexjet has broken ground on a global operations center next to its facility at Cleveland Cuyahoga County Airport that will serve as the company’s master logistics and control center for its global flight operations.
As part of its pilot hiring plans, Flexjet has boosted pay and benefits to include starting total compensation of $128,000 for first-year pilots, as well as home-based crewing, flexible scheduling, and guaranteed captain upgrades. The additional hiring round will increase the number of existing pilots with Flexjet from 800 to 1,150.
“We want Flexjet to be a career destination for pilots not only for the long-term earning potential but schedule, quality of life, and modern equipment,” said Flexjet COO Megan Wolf.