Flexjet Ireland applies for US foreign air carrier permit to operate transatlantic charter services

Flexjet Ireland has applied to the United States Department of Transportation for a foreign air carrier permit and an exemption to operate passenger and cargo charter services between the European Union and the United States, as well as beyond points, using small aircraft.

According to CH Aviation, the company has requested expedited processing to enable the proposed services to commence as soon as possible. Flexjet Ireland secured its Irish air operator's certificate in late 2025 with a single Embraer Praetor 600 business jet, which remains the company's sole aircraft.

The Praetor 600 is a super-midsize business jet with a maximum range of approximately 7,500 kilometres, capable of transatlantic operations under favourable conditions with appropriate routing.

The application follows a similar regulatory path already taken by two sibling entities within the wider Flexjet group. Both Flexjet Operations (Malta) and Flexjet Operations (United Kingdom) hold existing US foreign air carrier permits, giving the group an established framework across multiple European jurisdictions for transatlantic business aviation operations.

A US foreign air carrier permit is required under the Federal Aviation Act for any non-US airline seeking to operate commercial air services to or from the United States. The exemption element of Flexjet Ireland's application relates to the use of small aircraft on international charter operations, which falls outside the standard permit framework and requires separate authorisation from the DOT.

Ireland has become an increasingly significant base for business aviation operators seeking EU regulatory standing, with its membership of the European Common Aviation Area providing access to markets across the continent under a single air operator's certificate.

Access the full application details and regulatory background in the complete article.