Flexjet LLC, offering travelers access to the world’s most luxurious fleet of private jets, has resumed external hiring of pilots for the first time since 2015. Flexjet plans to hire a significant number of pilots to handle new business that increased 50 percent in the first five months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, on top of 20 percent growth in new business during 2016.

“I am pleased that we are once again hiring experienced pilots from outside the company. The hiring of new pilots signals a landmark in Flexjet’s growth,” said Michael Silvestro, Flexjet’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The combination of the world’s most modern fleet, outstanding Owner service and innovative offerings such as Red Label by Flexjet has generated extraordinary growth during the past several years, and our approach is further affirmed by our need for additional pilots.”

Open pilot positions at Flexjet include those flying light through super-midsize jets (Phenom 300, Learjet 75LXi, Legacy 450 and Challenger 350), including our Red Label aircraft. Red Label by Flexjet is the carrier’s premium offering, which has proven to be a leading differentiator among both Owners and pilots.

Although Red Label launched only in the fourth quarter of 2015, more than one-third (38 percent) of all Flexjet Owners already are flying under its banner.

One of Red Label’s most distinctive features is dedicated crewing. Dedicated crewing provides Flexjet pilots with a sense of ownership and familiarity with their assigned aircraft and teams, and that enhances the entire travel experience for Red Label Owners.

No other fractional provider offers single-aircraft crews with crewmembers assigned to one aircraft. Red Label pilots manage their own schedule, enjoy very competitive quarterly bonus incentives based on performance and have the opportunity to fly the industry’s youngest, most technologically advanced fleet.

“Flexjet has a very selective hiring process that ensures we hire only the best pilots, men and women who honor our deep-rooted culture of safety and service,” added Silvestro. “As the face of the company, our pilots are essential to the service we offer to Owners. The world-class service our pilots provide is one of the many reasons for our unprecedented levels of Owner referrals, which grew 23 percent in 2016 versus 2015 and have continued to increase this year.”

Flexjet pilots are the most rigorously trained in the industry, exceeding the highest levels of professionalism, competency, proficiency and expertise required by Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. For instance, Flexjet requires newly hired pilots to be Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certified, type qualified, and have a minimum of 2,500 hours of flight time – all of which far exceed FAA minimum requirements – just to act as co-pilot.

Once Flexjet pilots are hired, they undergo continuing training that is unmatched by other fractional providers, including ground and simulator training every six months in addition to one week of annual line training. Every pilot is type-rated in his or her assigned aircraft and trained to perform safely in every possible terrain, environment and situation.