Flexjet’s New Farnborough Terminal Could Spur Global Growth

Flexjet today opened its first private terminal outside North America—a $34 million facility at Farnborough Airport (EGLF) near London. Besides passenger lounges and amenities, the location also serves as Flexjet’s international training center for flight attendants and as an operational hub.

The 22,583-sq-ft Farnborough site is part of a growing network of private terminals that will extend to Scottsdale, Arizona, and Bozeman, Montana, next year. Flexjet’s network already includes dedicated facilities at White Plains and Teterboro in the New York area, as well as Miami, Naples, and West Palm Beach in Florida; Dallas; and Los Angeles-area Van Nuys Airport.

Its newest terminal provides discreet airside access to flights across the ramp from Farnborough’s main terminal, with security and immigration screening available onsite. The interior features a cabin mockup of the Gulfstream G700 alongside an owner’s bar and lounge and several private meeting rooms.

At today's terminal opening, Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro said the group has grown its customer base and flight activity by more than 20% since the pandemic, well ahead of the industry average growth rate of 3% to 4%. This year, it expects to operate almost 1,300 transatlantic crossings, representing a threefold increase since 2023.

Flexjet’s footprint in Europe is expected to serve as a springboard to expansion further east. “We have had aspirations to expand in the Middle East for several years, but we have been prudent, mainly because we cannot get enough airplanes to meet the demand there,” Silvestro told AIN.

By year-end, the Flexjet fleet should total 360 aircraft, with almost another 50 more due to be delivered next year. “This is measured growth because that is a lot of pilots, cabin attendants, maintenance, [and] refurbishment to deal with,” Silvestro said. “It is a challenge to maintain that trajectory while paying attention to detail and not losing your culture and what makes our people special.”

For operational flexibility, Flexjet holds a Malta-based EU air operator certificate, in addition to its U.S. fleet. During busy periods on either side of the Atlantic, this allows it to borrow aircraft from either side of the Atlantic Ocean to meet demand, and the operator also gives flight crew opportunities to work on either side of the pond.

Over the past six months, Flexjet—like most commercial business jet operators—has had to pass on significant fuel price increases to customers. For Flexjet owners, the fuel cost is the only monthly variable charge; management fees and hourly rates are locked in for five-year share ownership agreements.

London Flexjet Showroom

Tomorrow, Flexjet’s leadership team is meeting at the central London headquarters of aircraft brokering specialist The Jet Business, which Flexjet recently acquired. Silvestro said the facility in the high-end Knightsbridge district will soon be transformed into an exclusive showroom for Flexjet private aviation offerings, under the leadership of The Jet Business founder Steve Varsano.

In addition to the Red Label flight attendant training area, the Farnborough facility also includes Flexjet’s Tactical Control Center for overseeing flight operations. The company recently opened a maintenance, repair, and overhaul hangar at the airport to support its European fleet.

In addition the G700, Flexjet operates a mix of Gulfstream models, including the G650, G500, and G450. The fleet also includes Embraer Phenom 300s and Praetor 500/600s, as well as Bombardier Challenger 350/3500s. 

Owners also have access to Sikorsky S-76 and Agusta AW139 helicopters. Flexjet is establishing a local rotorcraft operating base at Blackbushe Airport (EGLK), near Farnborough.

“This opening establishes one of the most significant branded luxury environments in private aviation and is a defining moment in Flexjet’s global expansion,” said company chairman Kenn Ricci.

The Farnborough training center has a kitchen where flight attendants can practice preparing meals in spaces that replicate available space in Flexjet’s aircraft. Through a succession of “Foundation, Elevate, and Refine” classes, they receive initial and recurrent education in skills such as wine and cocktail preparation and floristry. 

Flexjet v-p of customer experience Francesco Vanerio told AIN that the company’s flight attendants are prepared to improvise in providing high-quality, creative levels of service in unpredictable circumstances. “They need to have a ‘Mary Poppins bag’ ready to source local ingredients they can use to feed customers while creating an emotional connection with the local market.”