Flexjet Ireland Seeks U.S. Permit for Transatlantic Charter Flights

This article is based on an official company statement and regulatory filing from Flexjet International.

On April 30, 2026, Flexjet International, Designated Activity Company (operating as Flexjet Ireland) filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) seeking an Exemption and a Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP). The filing, submitted under docket number DOT-OST-2026-1785-0001, outlines the company’s intent to conduct passenger and cargo charter operations connecting the European Union, the United States, and other international destinations.

According to the official DOT application, Flexjet Ireland has formally requested expedited processing to commence operations as soon as possible. The company plans to utilize small Commercial-Aircraft for these transatlantic and international routes, marking a significant step in its broader European expansion strategy.

This regulatory move highlights the sustained demand for private transatlantic travel and underscores Flexjet’s commitment to building a robust, multi-hub European network to serve high-net-worth and corporate clients.

Expanding the European Footprint

The Strategic Role of Flexjet Ireland

Flexjet International was incorporated in Dublin, Ireland, on July 26, 2016. In late 2025, the company successfully secured its Irish Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). By establishing a formalized operational foothold in an EU member state, Flexjet gains maximum regulatory flexibility to operate seamlessly across European airspace.

The Irish AOC complements Flexjet’s existing international operations. The company’s other international subsidiaries, Flexjet Operations (Malta) and Flexjet Operations (United Kingdom), already hold active U.S. Foreign Air Carrier Permits. Securing this new permit for the Irish division will further solidify the operator’s transatlantic bridge and post-Brexit European network.

Fleet Capabilities and Transatlantic Growth

Leveraging the Embraer Praetor 600

As of April 2026, Flexjet Ireland operates a single Embraer Praetor 600, which currently serves as the sole aircraft under its new AOC. The Praetor 600 is a super-midsize jet with a best-in-class range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles, making it capable of nonstop transatlantic flights, such as routes from London to New York.

Flexjet is currently the world’s largest fleet operator of Embraer Praetor and Legacy midsize jets. Across its U.S., Irish, Maltese, and UK divisions, the company operates 112 of these aircraft, comprising 4 Legacy 500s, 79 Praetor 500s, and 29 Praetor 600s.

“The application specifies the use of ‘small aircraft’ for these operations,”

This specification in the DOT filing points to the strategic deployment of super-midsize jets to offer efficient, lower-cost transatlantic charter options compared to ultra-long-range heavy jets.

Surging Demand for Private-Jets International Travel

The push for expedited processing of the DOT application indicates immediate client demand, likely targeting the upcoming summer 2026 travel season. The private aviation sector has experienced a sustained shift toward international travel since the pandemic, with clients increasingly bypassing commercial first-class for direct, nonstop private flights.

Flexjet’s international growth reflects this broader industry trend. As of early 2025, the company reported logging approximately 15 transatlantic flights per day, a massive increase from just 15 per month five years prior. To support this surging demand, Flexjet’s international-capable fleet has grown to roughly 60 aircraft, accounting for nearly 20% of its total fleet.

AirPro News analysis

We view Flexjet Ireland’s application as a highly calculated maneuver to optimize its transatlantic operations. By utilizing the Embraer Praetor 600 under an Irish AOC, Flexjet can offer highly competitive pricing for transatlantic crossings. The super-midsize category provides the necessary range without the premium operating costs associated with heavy jets.

Furthermore, the regulatory environment is favorable for this expansion. The U.S. DOT routinely grants FACPs to carriers from countries with which the U.S. has Open Skies agreements, such as the EU. Given that Flexjet’s UK and Malta divisions already hold similar permits, we anticipate that regulatory approval for the Irish division is highly likely, provided all standard safety and ownership requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Flexjet Ireland applying for?
Flexjet Ireland is applying for an Exemption and a Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) from the U.S. DOT to conduct passenger and cargo charter operations between the EU, the U.S., and other international points.

What aircraft will Flexjet Ireland use?
The DOT application specifies the use of “small aircraft.” Currently, Flexjet Ireland operates a single Embraer Praetor 600 under its Irish AOC, which is capable of nonstop transatlantic flights.

Why is Flexjet expanding its Irish operations?
An Irish AOC provides Flexjet with regulatory flexibility within the European Union, complementing its existing UK and Malta certificates to meet surging transatlantic travel demand.

Sources: Flexjet International DOT Application (DOT-OST-2026-1785-0001)