Flexjet has received an $800 million equity investment from a group of strategic investors led by L Catterton, with participation from KSL Capital Partners and the J. Safra Group. It represents the largest equity funding round in private aviation to date.

The investment will fund continued expansion across Flexjet’s fleet, infrastructure and global workforce, with particular focus on larger aircraft and international operations. Eleven private terminals are either active or under development, including one at London Farnborough due to open early next year.

Flexjet also aims to extend control over more elements of its service model. This includes its in-house maintenance network, cabin attendant training academy and exclusive terminal access.

Luxury partnerships, such as those with Riva Yachts and Bentley Motors, form part of Flexjet’s plan to offer curated travel experiences beyond the aircraft.

“L Catterton, with its special relationship with LVMH and its family of brands, provides the perfect opportunity for collaborating in areas such as consumer insights, brand strategies, retail expansion and luxury product delivery,” says Flexjet’s chairman Kenn Ricci.

“Flexjet epitomises our category-first approach and, although it is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, its history is one of never settling in pursuit of thoughtful innovation to best fulfill the desires of the consumers within its unique and exciting marketplace,” says Scott Dahnke, global CEO of L Catterton, speaking on behalf of the consortium.

Jefferies, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs advised Flexjet on the transaction.