Pittsburgh-based aircraft management company Private Jet Center (PJC), in conjunction with its strategic partner and charter brokerage Jets.com, has signed a purchase agreement for two new Cessna Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft from Textron Aviation.

“We are excited to add the Citation XLS Gen2 to our fleet,” says CEO Clayton Pegher. “These aircraft are a logical first step toward our long-term goals of modernising our fleet and developing additional aircraft ownership services in conjunction with our long-standing partner Jets.com. The new aircraft will help lower operating costs, increase dispatch reliability and improve our successful employee retention programme. This order is just the beginning of a more robust long-term plan of fleet growth through new aircraft acquisitions.”

The aircraft are slated for delivery in 2025 and will be added to PJC’s Part 135 air carrier certificate. PJC is also preparing to order additional new large cabin aircraft, further upgrading its fleet and improving client access to equipment that fits all mission profiles. It currently operates 14 light, midsize and super midsize aircraft, including 13 Citations, which are all available for on-demand charter.

The jets will also play a crucial role in a new fractional ownership programme offered jointly by PJC and Jets.com that is due to be unveiled later this year.

“We are thrilled to support Private Jet Center’s acquisition of these new aircraft,” says Jets.com COO Daniel Satterlund. “Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen our product offering for Jets.com clients and help PJC enhance its aircraft ownership offerings. Our shared vision is to empower clients with unparalleled access to luxury air travel, and the Citation XLS Gen2 aircraft is the perfect choice to further this initiative.”

The aircraft is an attractive ownership option due to its charter popularity and relatively low operating costs.