Textron Aviation today announced it has entered into a purchase agreement with Exclusive Jets, LLC, operating as flyExclusive, for up to 14 additional Cessna Citation business jets. flyExclusive has agreed to purchase eight Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft to be delivered in 2024, and up to six Citation Longitudes, with initial deliveries of the first two Longitude aircraft expected in 2025. These aircraft will provide customers of flyExclusive’s fractional program additional options in the midsize and super-midsize segments.
Jim Segrave, Chairman and CEO of flyExclusive (left) and Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation (right)
In addition, the company has exercised its option to purchase an additional five Citation CJ3+ aircraft from its order of up to 30 CJ3+ jets earlier this year. These aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2024.
"We're proud that flyExclusive, a growing fractional operator, has chosen the Citation XLS Gen2 and Citation Longitude to offer comfortable, spacious and unforgettable experiences to their customers entering business aviation," said Ron Draper, President & CEO, Textron Aviation. "We appreciate their confidence in Textron Aviation as they continue to expand their already impressive Citation fleet and look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come."
flyExclusive is one of the largest owners/operators of Citations in the world. The company operates a fleet of Cessna Citation jets including Citation X, Citation Sovereign, Citation Excel/ XLS, Citation CJ3 /CJ3+ and Citation Encore / Encore+ aircraft models.
“This agreement reinforces flyExclusive's rapid growth and further bolsters the company's offerings in the fractional space. We continue to elevate the private flying experience, delivering consistent, reliable, and world-class service for our customers,” said Jim Segrave, Chairman and CEO, flyExclusive. “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Textron Aviation and support high quality, American manufacturing. We appreciate Textron Aviation's support as we continue to grow into one of the largest private jet charter operators in the industry."
Owning and operating its fleet of 90 light, midsize, super-midsize and heavy jets, flyExclusive, based in Kinston, North Carolina, is a premiere Part 135 owner/operator of private jet experiences. The company provides Jet Club, Partner and fractional programs.
The Citation XLS Gen2 equips operators with speeds of up to 441 knots (817 kilometers/ hour) with a maximum range of 2,100 nautical miles (3,889 kilometers), a takeoff field length of 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) and climbs to 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) in 30 minutes. While maintaining key performance specifications, the XLS Gen2 also includes increased payload capabilities and a state-of-the-art intuitive wireless cabin management system with a touchscreen moving map monitor, wireless charging and USB charging ports at each cabin seat.
With a range of 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 kilometers) and full fuel payload 1,600 pounds (726 kilograms), the Citation Longitude is designed to elevate passenger expectations in the super-midsize class by delivering the quietest cabin, a low cabin altitude (4,950 ft / 1,509 m at 41,000 ft), more standard features and a comfortable, bespoke interior. With seating for up to 12 passengers, including an optional crew jump seat, the Longitude features a stand-up, 6-foot tall flat-floor cabin. A standard double-club configuration delivers the most legroom in the super-midsize class. Fully berthable seats are designed and manufactured in-house, and a spacious walk-in baggage compartment is accessible in flight. State-of-the-art cabin technology enables passengers to manage their environment and entertainment from any mobile device.