Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Flexjet today opened its first private terminal outside North America—a $34 million facility at Farnborough Airport (EGLF) near London. Besides passenger lounges and amenities, the location also serves as Flexjet’s international training center for flight attendants and as an operational hub.
The 22,583-sq-ft Farnborough site is part of a growing network of private terminals that will extend to Scottsdale, Arizona, and Bozeman, Montana, next year. Flexjet’s network already includes dedicated facilities at White Plains and Teterboro in the New York area, as well as Miami, Naples, and West Palm Beach in Florida; Dallas; and Los Angeles-area Van Nuys Airport.
Its newest terminal provides discreet airside access to flights across the ramp from Farnborough’s main terminal, with security and immigration screening available onsite. The interior features a cabin mockup of the Gulfstream G700 alongside an owner’s bar and lounge and several private meeting rooms.
At today's terminal opening, Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro said the group has grown its customer base and flight activity by more than 20% since the pandemic, well ahead of the industry average growth rate of 3% to 4%. This year, it expects to operate almost 1,300 transatlantic crossings, representing a threefold increase since 2023.
Flexjet’s footprint in Europe is expected to serve as a springboard to expansion further east. “We have had aspirations to expand in the Middle East for several years, but we have been prudent, mainly because we cannot get enough airplanes to meet the demand there,” Silvestro told AIN.
By year-end, the Flexjet fleet should total 360 aircraft, with almost another 50 more due to be delivered next year. “This is measured growth because that is a lot of pilots, cabin attendants, maintenance, [and] refurbishment to deal with,” Silvestro said. “It is a challenge to maintain that trajectory while paying attention to detail and not losing your culture and what makes our people special.”
For operational flexibility, Flexjet holds a Malta-based EU air operator certificate, in addition to its U.S. fleet. During busy periods on either side of the Atlantic, this allows it to borrow aircraft from either side of the Atlantic Ocean to meet demand, and the operator also gives flight crew opportunities to work on either side of the pond.
Over the past six months, Flexjet—like most commercial business jet operators—has had to pass on significant fuel price increases to customers. For Flexjet owners, the fuel cost is the only monthly variable charge; management fees and hourly rates are locked in for five-year share ownership agreements.
<h2>London Flexjet Showroom</h2>
Tomorrow, Flexjet’s leadership team is meeting at the central London headquarters of aircraft brokering specialist The Jet Business, which Flexjet recently acquired. Silvestro said the facility in the high-end Knightsbridge district will soon be transformed into an exclusive showroom for Flexjet private aviation offerings, under the leadership of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-06-12/flexjet-acquires-jet-business-names-varsano-president">The Jet Business </a>founder Steve Varsano.
In addition to the Red Label flight attendant training area, the Farnborough facility also includes Flexjet’s Tactical Control Center for overseeing flight operations. The company recently opened a maintenance, repair, and overhaul hangar at the airport to support its European fleet.
In addition the G700, Flexjet operates a mix of Gulfstream models, including the G650, G500, and G450. The fleet also includes Embraer Phenom 300s and Praetor 500/600s, as well as Bombardier Challenger 350/3500s.&nbsp;
Owners also have access to Sikorsky S-76 and Agusta AW139 helicopters. Flexjet is establishing a local rotorcraft operating base at <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-08-17/flexjet-bases-european-helicopter-fleet-blackbushe">Blackbushe Airport </a>(EGLK), near Farnborough.
“This opening establishes one of the most significant branded luxury environments in private aviation and is a defining moment in Flexjet’s global expansion,” said company chairman Kenn Ricci.
The Farnborough training center has a kitchen where flight attendants can practice preparing meals in spaces that replicate available space in Flexjet’s aircraft. Through a succession of “Foundation, Elevate, and Refine” classes, they receive initial and recurrent education in skills such as wine and cocktail preparation and floristry.&nbsp;
Flexjet v-p of customer experience Francesco Vanerio told AIN that the company’s flight attendants are prepared to improvise in providing high-quality, creative levels of service in unpredictable circumstances. “They need to have a ‘Mary Poppins bag’ ready to source local ingredients they can use to feed customers while creating an emotional connection with the local market.”

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Flexjet’s Farnborough Private Terminal Supports Global Fractional Growth

New Europe facility includes training and operations centers

With international demand and flight activity growing, fractional ownership group Flexjet has opened its first private terminal outside North America.

Flexjet’s New Farnborough Terminal Could Spur Global Growth

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Europe-based group is adding a pair of Bombardier Global 8000 jets, plus a 6500

Middle East and Africa Fuel Comlux’s Charter Growth

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Lack of rental engines is a focus of the complaint

ATI Jet Lawsuit Alleges Hourly Service Plan Setbacks

The Hong Kong-based operator now has almost 50 business aircraft

China’s Sino Jet Expands Charter Fleet with Second G700

Jessica Reed

Program launches with HondaJet HA-420 and Bombardier Challenger 3500

Honda Aircraft Unit Backs Thrive Fractional Jet Program

Amy Wilder

Elite Jets, MaxAir keep names, add Priester co-brand

Priester Aviation Unifies Companies under One Brand

Program lets non-members compare pricing before booking

BlueSky Extends Pricing Access to Non-members

Hourly rates range from turboprops to VIP airliners

Paramount Business Jets Guide Details 2026 Charter Rates

Kerry Lynch

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Charter & Fractional