Private jet operator strengthens maintenance capabilities while addressing two of business aviation’s biggest challenges: MRO capacity and pilot availability
Private aviation operator flyExclusive is significantly expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and pilot training infrastructure following a $30 million grant from the State of North Carolina. The investment marks another major step in the company’s vertically integrated business model, allowing it to bring more critical aviation services in-house while supporting long-term fleet growth.
The project, which will be developed at the North Carolina Global TransPark (GTP) in Kinston, is expected to create more than 100 new aviation jobs and reinforce the state’s growing position as a centre for aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance and aviation training.
Expanding MRO capabilities under one roof
At the heart of the investment is the expansion of flyExclusive’s existing maintenance operation. The new facilities will significantly increase the company’s capacity to perform both scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance internally, reducing its dependence on external MRO providers while improving operational efficiency across its fleet.
The expanded maintenance campus will also include state-of-the-art paint, avionics and aircraft refurbishment facilities, enabling flyExclusive to offer a broader range of services from its headquarters in Kinston.
In addition to supporting its own fleet, the expanded MRO infrastructure is expected to position the company to attract more third-party maintenance business, creating an additional revenue stream.
Building an in-house pilot training ecosystem
Alongside the MRO expansion, flyExclusive will establish a dedicated pilot training centre equipped with advanced flight simulators. The facility is designed to develop a steady pipeline of pilots trained specifically to the company’s operational procedures and safety standards, reducing reliance on external training providers.
Vertical integration as a competitive strategy
The investment reflects flyExclusive’s broader strategy of vertical integration of owning and controlling key operational functions instead of relying heavily on third-party suppliers. In business aviation, aircraft maintenance capacity and pilot availability remain two of the industry’s most persistent operational challenges.
By expanding both its MRO capabilities and pilot training infrastructure, flyExclusive aims to reduce operational bottlenecks while improving fleet availability, service quality and long-term scalability.
The company believes that bringing these critical functions in-house will lower operating costs, improve scheduling flexibility and create a competitive advantage that few operators in the private aviation sector can replicate.
The expansion follows a series of growth initiatives undertaken by flyExclusive during 2026 as the company continues investing in infrastructure, talent and fleet capabilities.
As one of North America’s largest private jet operators and one of the few with a fully integrated operating model, the company says the enhanced facilities will support growing demand from its Jet Club members, fractional ownership customers and charter clients.
Improved maintenance capacity is also expected to increase aircraft availability while reducing downtime associated with outsourcing maintenance activities.
Economic impact for North Carolina
Beyond strengthening flyExclusive‘s operations, the project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for North Carolina. The $30 million funding package, authorised under Senate Bill 257 (Session Law 2026-41), will support construction of the new facilities at the North Carolina Global TransPark.
The Global TransPark Authority will retain ownership of the infrastructure, while flyExclusive will operate the facilities under a long-term lease and contribute additional private investment towards the project. Construction is expected to begin as soon as possible.
The development is projected to create more than 100 high-skilled aviation jobs in Lenoir County while attracting additional aerospace investment to the region.
“Our people are what set flyExclusive apart, and this facility lets us develop the next generation of world-class pilots while creating hundreds of high-quality aviation careers here in North Carolina,” said Jim Segrave, Founder and CEO, flyExclusive.
“These new facilities substantially expand our footprint at the North Carolina Global TransPark and strengthen our long-standing relationship with the Global TransPark. We are excited to continue investing in North Carolina and look forward to breaking ground as soon as possible.”
The investment reflects a wider trend across the aviation industry, where operators are increasingly investing in integrated maintenance, training and technical capabilities to address global shortages of skilled labour and constrained MRO capacity.
With aircraft fleets continuing to expand worldwide, access to qualified technicians, pilots and maintenance infrastructure has become a strategic differentiator rather than simply an operational requirement.
By combining aircraft operations, MRO services, refurbishment, avionics, paint facilities and pilot training within a single ecosystem, flyExclusive is positioning itself to improve operational resilience while reducing reliance on external service providers.
Looking ahead
As business aviation continues to experience sustained demand, investments in maintenance infrastructure and workforce development are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting fleet reliability and long-term growth.
For flyExclusive, the North Carolina expansion represents a strategic investment in operational self-sufficiency. By strengthening both its maintenance capabilities and pilot training pipeline, the company is building a vertically integrated model designed to enhance efficiency, support future expansion, and improve service delivery in an increasingly competitive private aviation market.
