The Jet Business Joins the Flexjet Ecosystem

Flexjet announced its acquisition of the London-based aircraft brokerage and advisory firm, The Jet Business. By incorporating an established whole-aircraft brokerage into its existing portfolio, Flexjet positions itself to provide a more comprehensive suite of aircraft management, procurement, and disposition services to its global aviation clientele.

Company Backgrounds

Flexjet is one of the largest private jet operators, operating a global fleet of more than 340 aircraft and is a leading provider of fractional jet ownership and leasing. The company manages a highly structured ecosystem supported by proprietary maintenance infrastructure, dedicated flight crews, and a network of private terminals. Flexjet's operational model emphasizes a young fractional jet fleet with rigorous safety standards and includes aircraft such as the Embraer Phenom 300 and Praetor series and Gulfstream G650 and G700. Sister companies include Sentient Jet, FXAir and Corporate Wings which are all owned by holding company Directional Aviation.

The Jet Business, founded in 2011 by Steve Varsano, operates as a specialized corporate aircraft brokerage and advisory firm. Notable for establishing a street-level corporate aviation showroom in London, the firm focuses on the transactions of pre-owned corporate jets. The Jet Business has built its reputation on market intelligence, asset valuation, and structured advisory services tailored to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and corporate flight departments.

Integration within the Flexjet Structure

The Jet Business will be integrated with Flexjet’s existing brokerage, FXSolutions, creating a unified global platform for whole-aircraft sales and procurement. The combined operation will use The Jet Business brand name, and will support the acquisition of aircraft entering the Flexjet fleet as well as the orderly transition of aircraft exiting service, providing market intelligence, transaction expertise and advisory capabilities that further strengthen Flexjet’s long-term fleet strategy. This provides Flexjet with greater strategic control over fleet lifecycle planning and residual value management.

“A core tenet of our luxury strategy is maintaining one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry,” said Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet. “To do that effectively requires sophisticated capabilities around aircraft remarketing and transition planning.” Then added, "This acquisition strengthens our platform to move aging aircraft gracefully out of the fleet, while introducing next-generation aircraft into service for our fractional Owners."

Steve Varsano will transition into a corporate leadership role as President of Flexjet, focusing on international product innovation and global expansion strategy. He noted “We are well aligned in our belief that clients, at the very top of this market, are seeking far more than access to aircraft. They want trusted solutions that are designed around their needs, delivered by experts and presented in style. When I set out to build The Jet Business, my goal was to change how aircraft are bought and sold. Through social media, it evolved into something even greater - a brand built on education, mentorship and trust, anchored by an immersive London experience that reimagined how clients engage with private aviation."

Impact and Key New Features for Flexjet Customers

For existing and prospective clients, the acquisition introduces a new service framework titled Flexjet Solutions. This offering bridges the gap between fractional ownership and whole aircraft management, providing a broader range of operational capabilities:

• Turnkey Management and Operational Support: Clients transacting through The Jet Business can now access Flexjet’s comprehensive operational infrastructure, including its global crew sourcing and safety programs.
• Maintenance and Technical Infrastructure: Buyers and sellers gain direct access to Flexjet Technical Services, which includes regional maintenance facilities, pre-purchase inspection capabilities, and dedicated Aircraft on Ground (AOG) response teams.
• Expanded European Infrastructure: The acquisition aligns with Flexjet's broader footprint in the United Kingdom and Europe, which includes a Mayfair sales center and a new private terminal opening at Farnborough Airport.

By unifying fractional programs, whole aircraft transactions, and fleet maintenance under a single corporate umbrella, the acquisition minimizes administrative complexity and enhances asset availability for high-net-worth owners and their financial advisors.