Cleveland, Ohio-headquartered Flexjet has appointed 28-year industry veteran Clay Wilcox as VP of sales. Wilcox will lead the company's Gulfstream G650 days-based shared ownership model, aimed at high utilisation large cabin customers. The programme will start with two home bases, New York City and London, two of Flexjet's most popular business and personal destinations.

“When the traditional fractional programme was created 35 years ago, customers purchased hours for segments that were approximately two-hour trips,” explains CEO Michael Silvestro. “In our new programme, we have changed the primary currency of hours to a days-based model which is much more consistent with traditional whole aircraft ownership.

“In today's business world, international travel is in demand, which has led to this creative approach. Clay is the perfect leader as he understands both the needs of the whole aircraft owner as well as the fractional owner.”

Silvestro and Wilcox began their aviation careers together and have watched the industry evolve, giving Wilcox the perspective needed to introduce this offering. Most recently Wilcox was with NetJets for 11 years as regional VP of sales and a senior sales executive with whole aircraft division QS Partners.

The Gulfstream G650 is part of Red Label by Flexjet, which features flight crews dedicated to a single aircraft, a young fleet and custom LXi cabin interiors.

“This is the most revolutionary model of accessing an aircraft that I have been a part of,” says Wilcox. “On a purchase of this magnitude, this is an intelligent, progressive financial decision. It does not surprise me that Flexjet is the company that came up with this concept. Its ability to adapt to market demands was a key factor in my decision to join this team and further grow market share.”