Flexjet has opened its new global headquarters at Cuyahoga County airport, east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio.

“Flexjet has undergone tremendous growth during the past decade with operations expanding throughout North America, Europe and beyond,” says chairman Kenn Ricci. “Our new global operations control centre enables us to manage flights all over the world, in a setting that is optimised to the nuances of our unique business, ensuring aircraft owners the highest levels of service and responsiveness. This facility provides a world-class environment to do the work necessary to continue our ascent as the world's preeminent private aviation provider.”

The global operations control centre serves as the building's core and has the private aviation industry's most advanced technology, including the largest seamless LED screen in the US that displays every Flexjet flight around the world in real-time. Designed to accommodate planned growth, the centre can handle the staff and technology required to manage twice the current fleet of nearly 270 aircraft. Its stadium-style seating is arranged by job type and maximises the flow and speed of information, particularly during issues such as major weather systems. In addition, the bridge at the centre of the room has a pop-up command station that is used during peak travel season when heightened coordination is required.

The glass-enclosed marquee 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 sharp angles and triple-paned, treated glass that minimises the sound of the aircraft on the field, creates privacy and controls the temperature inside. The HVAC includes a charcoal filtration system that continuously recirculates and purifies the air inside.

The facility also houses Flexjet's primary data centre that feeds over 30 locations worldwide. A network of power with multiple redundancies ensures there are no interruptions in electricity to the data centre, ensuring Flexjet maintains operational control of its fleet.

Construction includes an enclosed connector to Flexjet's previous headquarters building, where renovations are underway.

An aviation theme continues indoors with conference rooms named after aircraft that Ricci flew during his career as a pilot. The largest room, named Gulfstream, houses a custom-made conference table made from the fuselage of the first Gulfstream GIV to come off the factory line, one that Ricci personally flew.

“From the simplicity of where we started 25 years ago, to the advancements in technology and where we are today, this new global operations centre is truly a marvel and it defines a new future in aviation,” says Ricci. “None of this would be possible without the dedication of our employees. This new operations centre is a demonstration of our relentless progress and vision.”