Legacy 650, Falcon 2000, Beechjet 400 Join Fleet

Elite Air has added three jets to its charter fleet, a Legacy 650, Falcon 2000 and Beechjet 400A. The two large-class aircraft and the light jet are based at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and do not require owner approval for individual charter flights.

“The Falcon 2000 is an extremely cost-effective aircraft for its size, and the Beechjet has helped us replenish our light aircraft charter fleet,” Elite Air CEO and pilot Gray Gibbs said. “The Legacy 650 is an absolutely stunning heavy jet. I admit I’m biased, though—I’ve been typed in and flying Legacies myself for a decade.”

The 13-passenger Legacy 650 joining the Elite Air charter certificate was manufactured last year and is in impeccable condition. With a full galley and flight attendant, enclosed stand-up lavatory and free domestic wireless internet, the large jet can comfortably carry passengers across the Atlantic or across the country. It can reach a top speed of more than 525 mph, approximately Mach 0.80.

The Falcon 2000 offers more seating than any other super-midsize jet in the Elite Air fleet. The 10-passenger aircraft was manufactured in 2002 and has been kept in pristine shape over the years. It is the most cost-effective super-midsize jet Elite Air offers for charter and sleeps six for long flights. It has a maximum range of more than 3,000 nautical miles, or 6.5 hours of nonstop flying.

“The Falcon is a striking aircraft and has been a reliable charter option for a long time,” said AJ Becker, Elite Air’s marketing and sales director. “It fills a niche in our fleet that we haven’t covered in the last several years.”

The Beechjet 400A, with seating for up to 8, grows the Elite Air light jet stable to four.

“We started in this business many years ago operating mostly light jet aircraft,” Gibbs said. “And they are still the bread and butter of our charter fleet. They’re relatively low cost, and our passengers absolutely love them.”

Elite Air is now offering a 2019 Legacy 650 for charter out of St. Petersburg, Fla.