Alerion Aviation Ends Hawker Charter Operations in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Alerion retired its last Hawker 900XP jet on May 26, 2025, ending all Hawker charter flights.
• Fleet now focuses on super-midsize and heavy jets like Challenger 350 and Gulfstream G200-family.
• Part 135 certification removal means Hawker jets are no longer allowed for commercial charter flights.

On May 26, 2025, Alerion Aviation, a well-known private jet operator based in the United States 🇺🇸, officially ended all charter flights using Hawker Beechcraft aircraft. This decision came after the company retired its last Hawker 900XP jet, which had been a key part of its fleet since 2017. The move marks a significant change for Alerion Aviation, as it shifts its focus to larger, more modern jets that better fit today’s business aviation market.

This article explains what led to this decision, what it means for clients and crew, how it fits into broader industry trends, and what the future holds for Alerion Aviation and the private jet charter sector.

Alerion Aviation Ends Hawker Charter Operations: What Happened and Why

Alerion Aviation’s decision to stop all Hawker charter operations became official in late May 2025. The last Hawker 900XP, registered as N900XP, was retired after serving the company for over seven years. This jet, which could carry up to eight passengers, was based at West Palm Beach International Airport until April 2024. After that, it was moved to Van Nuys and eventually removed from the company’s list of Part 135-certified aircraft. In simple terms, this means Alerion can no longer use Hawker jets for commercial charter flights under the rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Why Did Alerion Make This Move?

The main reason for this change is a strategic shift in Alerion Aviation’s business model. The company wants to focus on super-midsize and larger jets, such as the Challenger 350-series and Gulfstream G200-family. These aircraft are more popular with clients and are also more efficient for the company to operate. According to Bob Seidel, Alerion’s Chairman, “We target the types of aircraft we already operate because we know them and because we already have a crew. One of the biggest challenges today is finding the crew to fly the aircraft and then getting them trained.”

By narrowing its fleet to fewer types of jets, Alerion can make better use of its pilots and crew, reduce training costs, and simplify maintenance. This approach also matches current market trends, where clients prefer larger, newer jets for comfort, range, and reliability.

What Is Part 135 Certification and Why Does It Matter?

Part 135 is a set of rules from the FAA that covers how companies can operate charter flights in the United States 🇺🇸. To fly passengers for hire, an aircraft must be listed on a company’s Part 135 certificate. This certificate ensures that the company meets strict safety, maintenance, and crew training standards. When Alerion removed the Hawker 900XP from its Part 135 certificate, it meant the jet could no longer be used for charter flights, making the end of Hawker operations official.

For more details on Part 135 certification and its requirements, you can visit the FAA’s official page on 14 CFR Part 135 Operating Requirements.

Alerion Aviation’s Current Fleet: What’s Available Now?

As of May 2025, Alerion Aviation’s charter fleet includes more than 20 midsize, super-midsize, and heavy jets. The company’s active, Part 135-certified fleet now features:

• Learjet 60
• Challenger 300
• Global 5000
• Two Citation Sovereigns
• Citation X
• Legacy 600
• Astra Galaxy (part of the G200-family)
• Two Gulfstream G200s
• Gulfstream G280
• Gulfstream IV-SP
• Three Gulfstream Vs (GVs)

All these aircraft are newer, larger, and offer more range and comfort compared to the retired Hawker jets. Clients who previously booked Hawker charters with Alerion now have access to these upgraded options.

How Does This Change Affect Charter Clients?

For clients, the biggest change is the end of Hawker charter options with Alerion Aviation. If you’re used to flying on a Hawker 900XP or similar models, you’ll now need to choose from the company’s remaining fleet. The good news is that these jets are generally larger, newer, and offer better amenities.

Booking a Charter with Alerion Aviation: Step-by-Step

1. Fleet Inquiry: Contact Alerion’s sales team by phone (1-646-490-0686) or email ([email protected]) to discuss available aircraft and charter options.
2. Aircraft Selection: Choose from the updated fleet, which now focuses on super-midsize and heavy jets.
3. Booking and Confirmation: Finalize your charter arrangements. All flights use Alerion’s ARG/US Platinum ELITE safety-rated fleet, which means you’re flying on some of the safest and best-maintained jets in the industry.

Clients may notice less flexibility in choosing smaller, older jets, but they benefit from a more modern fleet with improved comfort, speed, and range.

What Does This Mean for Pilots and Crew?

Alerion’s decision to focus on fewer aircraft types brings several benefits for pilots and crew:

• Simplified Training: Pilots only need to train on a smaller number of jet types, making it easier to stay current and qualified.
• Better Crew Utilization: With more pilots trained on the same aircraft, scheduling becomes easier and more efficient.
• Improved Safety: Fewer aircraft types mean maintenance teams can specialize, reducing the risk of mistakes and improving reliability.

Bob Seidel explained that finding and training qualified crew is one of the biggest challenges in the industry today. By focusing on jets they already operate, Alerion can keep its operations running smoothly and safely.

Industry Trends: Why Are Charter Companies Modernizing Their Fleets?

Alerion Aviation’s move away from Hawker jets is part of a larger trend in the private jet industry. Several factors are driving this change:

• Market Demand: Clients increasingly prefer larger, newer jets for comfort, speed, and longer range. Super-midsize and heavy jets are especially popular for cross-country and international flights.
• Operational Efficiency: Running a fleet with fewer, newer aircraft types helps companies save money on training, maintenance, and spare parts.
• Pilot Shortages: The industry faces a shortage of qualified pilots. Focusing on fewer jet types makes it easier to recruit and train crew.
• Regulatory Changes: There is talk of possible deregulation and new tax incentives, such as restoring a 100% depreciation bonus for business aircraft. These changes could make it even more attractive for companies to invest in new jets.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the business jet market is currently a seller’s market, with used aircraft inventories below 10% of the total fleet size. However, prices have stabilized from 2024 to 2025, making it a good time for companies to modernize their fleets.

Alerion Aviation’s Leadership and Recent Changes

Alerion Aviation has also made several leadership changes to support its new strategy. In 2024 and 2025, the company appointed Gene Tucker as Director of Operations and Richard Ziskind as Chief Commercial Officer. These changes are meant to strengthen the company’s management team as it grows its fleet and expands into new markets.

The company also opened a new hangar at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in March 2024, showing its commitment to serving key business aviation hubs.

Background: Alerion’s History with Hawker Jets

For many years, Alerion Aviation operated a range of Hawker jets, including the HS-125-700A, Hawker 800XP, Hawker 800XPi, and Hawker 850XP. The Hawker 900XP, which joined the fleet in 2017, was the last of these models to remain in service. Its retirement in May 2025 marks the end of an era for Alerion’s light and midsize jet offerings.

The decision to phase out Hawker jets was not made lightly. These aircraft were reliable and popular with clients for many years. However, as the market changed and newer jets became available, it made sense for Alerion to update its fleet to stay competitive.

What’s Next for Alerion Aviation?

Looking ahead, Alerion Aviation plans to continue expanding its fleet with more Challenger 350-series, G200-family, and Global 5000 jets. The company is well-positioned to take advantage of any new tax incentives or regulatory changes that make it easier to buy and operate new aircraft.

There are no current plans to bring Hawker jets back into the fleet. Instead, Alerion will keep focusing on super-midsize and heavy jets that meet the needs of today’s charter clients.

Summary Table: Alerion Aviation Fleet Status (May 2025)

Implications for Stakeholders

• Clients: While some may miss the option to charter a Hawker 900XP, most will appreciate the newer, more comfortable jets now available. The change may also mean higher charter rates, but clients get better value in terms of safety, speed, and amenities.
• Pilots and Crew: The shift reduces the need for training on multiple aircraft types, making life easier for pilots and maintenance staff. It also helps Alerion attract and keep skilled crew members.
• Industry: Other charter operators may follow Alerion’s lead, focusing on fleet modernization and operational efficiency. This could lead to more retirements of older jets across the industry.

How to Book or Learn More

If you’re interested in chartering a jet with Alerion Aviation, you can contact their sales team at 1-646-490-0686 or email [email protected]. More information about the company, its fleet, and recent news can be found on the Alerion Aviation website.

For official updates and press releases, visit Alerion Aviation’s press page.

Conclusion: A Strategic Move for the Future

Alerion Aviation’s decision to end Hawker charter operations and focus on larger, more modern jets is a smart response to changes in the business aviation market. By streamlining its fleet and investing in newer aircraft, the company is better positioned to meet client needs, improve operational efficiency, and stay competitive in a fast-changing industry.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move reflects a broader trend among charter operators to modernize fleets and focus on operational strengths. For clients, crew, and the industry as a whole, Alerion’s strategy offers a clear example of how private aviation companies can adapt and thrive in today’s market.

For more information about FAA charter regulations and requirements, you can visit the FAA’s official Part 135 page.

Alerion Aviation’s journey shows that staying flexible and focusing on what works best for clients and crew is the key to long-term success in private aviation.

Learn Today

Hawker 900XP → A midsize business jet operated by Alerion from 2017 until its 2025 retirement.
Part 135 Certification → FAA license allowing companies to operate commercial charter flights with specific safety standards.
Super-midsize Jets → Business aircraft larger than midsize jets, offering more range and passenger comfort.
Challenger 350 → A popular super-midsize business jet in Alerion’s new fleet.
ARG/US Platinum ELITE → Top safety rating indicating rigorous aircraft maintenance and operational standards.

This Article in a Nutshell

Alerion Aviation ended its Hawker charter flights in May 2025, shifting to newer, larger jets. This strategic move improves efficiency, crew training, and meets growing client demand for super-midsize and heavy business jets offering better comfort and range.
— By VisaVerge.com