North Carolina and NC Global TransPark invest $30 million for pilot training center, headquarters at flyExclusive
A leading provider of premium private jet charter experiences, today announced that the Global Transpark secured a $30 million investment from the State of North Carolina for a cutting-edge pilot training center and headquarters.
NC House Representative Chris Humphrey said, "I am pleased to see flyExclusive continuing to grow their operation in Eastern North Carolina by partnering with the state and the NC Global TransPark to establish a new pilot training center and headquarters.”
The new facility is designed as a five-story complex containing up to five, full-motion flight simulators, intended to allow the company to train and certify its own pilots and reduce a lengthy backlog in the nation’s pilot training pipeline.
“This strategic investment not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens our state's position in the aviation industry, creating jobs and opportunities right here in our community. It's a testament to the power of public-private partnerships driving innovation in North Carolina,” said Humphrey.
The new simulators will occupy 10,000 square-feet across three stories and five bays. The facility will also include 14,000 square-feet in classrooms and training spaces, a rooftop terrace and a 22,000 square-foot air operations center.
“I am often asked why we chose Kinston for our headquarters,” Jim Segrave, Founder and CEO of flyExclusive said. “First, we’re perfectly positioned geographically within a short flight from some of the busiest private aviation destinations in the country. Second, we’re able to recruit talent from the many nearby military bases to build careers in this great community. Third, we’ve received enormous support from the Kinston community, the Global Transpark and the state of North Carolina. We believe this latest investment will bring hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to the state and community we love. We’re proud to call Kinston and North Carolina home, and I’m grateful for our partners in government who share our vision for the future and invest in our success.”
The company expects that once the simulators are functional, they will be able to reduce the amount of time new pilot hires must wait for outside training, giving the company an advantage as it competes for talent in one of the tightest labor markets in the United States.
Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of steps the company has taken to modernize its facilities and grow its fleet.
Yesterday, the company announced it has added the 100th jet to its state-of-the-art fleet.
In 2022, flyExclusive announced an ambitious fleet modernization program that included an order of up to 44 new Textron Aviation aircraft, including up to 30 CJ3+ light aircraft. The total investment plan included the purchase of up to 14 midsize and super-midsize Cessna Citation business jets, including eight XLS Gen2 aircraft and six Longitude aircraft, respectively. Aircraft in light size, midsize and super-midsize categories will provide options to customers in flyExclusive’s fractional program.
The investments from the state are the prelude to the company’s Phase III expansion. flyExclusive recently completed Phase II, which saw the construction of four hangars, including one that is designed as a cutting-edge, electrostatic paint shop that can handle eight aircraft per month. The hangars, as well as the Phase III campus expansion, will ultimately allow the company to bring approximately 80% of its maintenance in house, reducing the need to outsource which can come with lengthy waits and higher costs. Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration granted flyExclusive Part 145 Certification to perform Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (“MRO”) services on third-party aircraft.
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