FLEXJET CELEBRATES OFFICIAL HQ HOMECOMING IN STYLE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
They say ‘home is where the heart is’ and in the case of global private flight leader Flexjet, Northeast Ohio has always been ground zero for aviation innovation paired with industry transformation. Drawing inspiration from the majesty of flight and configured to optimize processes and protocols essential to the consistent success of its in-flight service, Flexjet recently opened its new global headquarters at Cuyahoga County Airport (ICAO: KCGF), east of downtown Cleveland.
What started in 1981 as a small Cleveland area charter provider with just a handful of aircraft, has culminated into a global aviation powerhouse recognized and respected around the world as one of the largest and most innovative.
To officially kick off an exciting new era in private aviation, Flexjet rolled out the red carpet for an HQ grand opening event that hosted over a thousand employee friends and families and featured an exclusive, fleet-wide private jet showcase, cutting-edge facility tours and even some festive live music. Discover more about what this meaningful milestone represents for both Flexjet and the future of private aviation itself.
PRIVATE AVIATION’S MOST ADVANCED PRIVATE JET CONTROL CENTER
The new Global Operations Control Center serves as the building’s core and has the private aviation industry’s most advanced technology, including the largest seamless LED screen in the U.S. and third largest in the world – a gigantic 176 feet wide by 19 feet high with 1,572 individual LED panels.
The screen displays all Flexjet private jets around the world in-flight and in real-time, creating a visually immersive experience. Designed to accommodate planned growth, the center can handle the staff and technology required to manage twice the current fleet of nearly 270 aircraft. The center’s stadium-style seating, which is arranged by job type, maximizes the flow and speed of information, particularly during issues such as major weather systems. In addition, the bridge at the center of the room has a pop-up command station that is used during Peak Travel season (such as the winter holidays) when customer flying is at high volumes requiring heightened coordination.
On the exterior, the glass-enclosed marquee building structure is positioned to give all employees in the building a front-row seat to the aircraft comings and goings on the airport ramp. The building was designed with dramatic sharp angles and triple-paned, treated glass that minimizes the sound of the aircraft on the field, creates privacy and controls the temperature inside, amongst just a few of these advanced amenities.
Construction included an enclosed connector to Flexjet’s previous headquarters building, where renovations are underway. Combined, this campus-like setting frames the entire Northwest portion of the Cuyahoga County Airport grounds.
The 51,453-square-foot Global Headquarters and Operations Control Center will increase the campus size to a total of 243,000 square feet with office space for 670 employees. Globally, Flexjet employs approximately 4,000 aviation professionals and more than 1,100 of them are non-union dedicated crew pilots.
CELEBRATING THE EMPLOYEES OF FLEXJET PRIVATE JETS
The second full week of September 2023 included a comprehensive schedule of both ceremony and celebration which helped to officially open this grand facilities’ doors to the world.
The week included a special reception for world media and dignitaries, an all-hands dedication and commencement speech by Chairman Kenn Ricci and the leadership team – all capped off with a special evening event attended by over 1,300 Flexjet employees, friends and family.
On this special evening, the full Flexjet focus was turned to celebrating all employees, across the enterprise who bore responsibility for a more than festive atmosphere – complete with a decked-out, celebratory hangar, festive facility tours, refreshments and delectable hors d’oeuvres, a live band and an aircraft from every type from the Flexjet fleet on exhibit for children, friends and family alike to admire and snap some social media-bound keepsakes.
This spectacle of supreme aviation access included the Embraer Phenom 300 and Praetor 500 and Praetor 600; Bombardier Challenger 350/3500; and Gulfstream G450 and Gulfstream G650. Not to be upstaged by its fixed-wing cousins, the Flexjet Sikorsky S-76 was also featured as part of the expansive static aircraft display.
The scale of this grand opening provided an apt reminder of the decades of dedication and discipline within an ever-evolving industry.
“From the simplicity of where we started 25 years ago, to the advancements in technology and where we are today, this new Global Operations Center is truly a marvel and it defines a new future in aviation,” said Chairman, Kenn Ricci. “None of this would be possible without the dedication of our employees. This new operations center is a demonstration of our relentless progress and vision.”
Want to learn more about Flexjet’s unmatched programs, services, or exclusive career events, and activations? Contact our team via our website or call us at (866) 309-2214 to discover more about our private aviation solutions and services.
