Private aviation provider XO, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is increasing its U.S. fleet by 30% with the addition of 15 Citation light jets to complement its super midsize jet offerings.
The aircraft, which are Citation V Ultras, increases XO’s dedicated fleet to 58 light and super-midsize aircraft, it says. In the future, XO also plans to increase its fleet of light jets to more than 50. Future aircraft will include Citation Ultra and Citation Encore jets.
The 15 aircraft are undergoing refurbishment to match the cabins of XO’s current fleet and entering the fleet now, a spokesperson said. Since April, XO has nearly doubled its membership base. New and existing members are increasingly looking for travel to short distances, it said.
“Many flyers, living or working outside the major aviation hubs, are facing firsthand the restrictions resulting from deep reductions in commercial aviation services,” the company says.
Worldwide, XO gives clients access to its Vista Global-owned fleet of 130 aircraft and to XO Alliance Fleet’s 2,100 vetted aircraft. Vista Global is XO’s parent company.
XO has also launched a new mobile app with a “Price Explorer” tool for consumers to search for charters and individual seats and instantly book.
“This is an important chapter in XO’s growth and an immediate benefit for its clients, providing XO members access to a new agile service, at the high standards that Vista Global is renowned for, on the ground and in the air,” said Thomas Flohr, Vista Global founder and chairman.