The Seed of an Industry

In 1964, an idea took flight that would eventually reshape the aviation industry forever. NetJets, originally launched as Executive Jet Airways, began with just 10 jets and a simple but disruptive vision: to make private aviation more accessible, efficient, and sustainable for business leaders and individuals alike. At a time when corporate travel was still a haute limited to a small elite, the company sought to transform the way people thought about mobility in the skies.

Fast forward six decades, and NetJets now commands the world’s largest private jet fleet, with more than 1,000 aircraft under management. Its growth has not only redefined private aviation but also influenced the broader global travel industry, creating a new category that blended ownership, flexibility, and service.

The Early Days: Executive Jet Airways

The company was founded by a group of retired military officers and entrepreneurs, among them decorated World War II pilot Brigadier General Olbert F. “Dick” Lassiter and Washington lawyer Paul T. Mellon. At its inception, Executive Jet Airways’ primary mission was to provide air transport for businesses in a way that was more agile than commercial airlines yet less burdensome than owning and operating a corporate jet.

Its modest fleet of 10 jets represented a new approach: fractional ownership, a model that would become the backbone of NetJets’ business decades later. Instead of requiring corporations or individuals to bear the full cost of an aircraft, ownership was shared, and so were the benefits. This innovation foreshadowed the modern sharing economy—long before Uber, Airbnb, or car-sharing apps existed.

Rebirth as NetJets: A Fractional Revolution

In 1986, under the leadership of entrepreneur Richard Santulli, the company was rebranded as NetJets. Santulli recognized a growing demand among executives who wanted the luxury of private aviation without the staggering costs and logistics of sole ownership. His solution was to formalize and scale fractional ownership.

The concept was straightforward yet radical: customers could purchase a fraction of an aircraft (say, one-eighth or one-sixteenth) and in return receive guaranteed flight hours per year. NetJets would take care of everything else—from maintenance and pilots to scheduling and safety standards.

The move revolutionized the private jet industry. It provided a way for corporations and wealthy individuals to access the flexibility of private travel without the inefficiencies of idle aircraft or the burden of operations.

Berkshire Hathaway Acquisition: A Vote of Confidence

By the late 1990s, NetJets’ momentum caught the attention of Warren Buffett. In 1998, Berkshire Hathaway acquired a majority stake in the company. For Buffett, famous for his long-term investment strategy, the move was both financial and personal: he himself became a NetJets customer before committing capital.

The acquisition not only brought financial stability but also gave NetJets credibility in markets worldwide. Backed by Berkshire’s reputation, NetJets could expand its fleet, invest in infrastructure, and grow its client base. For Buffett, NetJets embodied the kind of enduring moat he valued: a service that was difficult to replicate and delivered extraordinary loyalty among its users.

 

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Global Expansion: From Ohio to the World

Over the next two decades, NetJets transformed from a U.S.-focused company into a truly global operator. It launched NetJets Europe in 1996, headquartered in Lisbon, and expanded further into Asia with NetJets China in 2012. Today, it operates across continents, offering services in over 150 countries.

Its fleet now includes a wide range of aircraft—from light jets like the Citation XLS to long-range models like the Gulfstream G650—tailored to the varying needs of its clientele. The scale is unmatched: with more than 1,000 aircraft worldwide, NetJets remains the undisputed leader in private aviation.

Safety and Service as Core Values

NetJets’ rise cannot be explained by innovation alone. Its enduring appeal is rooted in a dual promise: uncompromising safety and white-glove service.

• Safety: The company invests heavily in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and cutting-edge technologies. It operates with one of the most rigorous safety records in the industry, far exceeding regulatory requirements.

• Service: NetJets understands that time is its clients’ most precious commodity. Flights are scheduled at short notice, catering is customized, and every detail is curated. For many, flying with NetJets is not simply about getting from point A to B, but about experiencing a seamless extension of lifestyle and work.

This dedication has earned the loyalty of Fortune 500 CEOs, world leaders, and celebrities alike.

Innovation in Sustainability

In recent years, NetJets has also positioned itself at the forefront of sustainability in aviation. Private aviation has often been criticized for its carbon footprint, and NetJets has responded with initiatives that aim to balance luxury with responsibility.

The company became the first private aviation firm to implement a comprehensive carbon offset program, allowing customers to neutralize their flight emissions. It has also invested in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and explored partnerships in next-generation aircraft technology.

By aligning innovation with environmental stewardship, NetJets is working to secure its future in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.

Private Aviation in the 21st Century: NetJets’ Influence

NetJets’ growth mirrors broader shifts in global mobility. Business leaders no longer see private aviation as indulgence but as efficiency. Families see it as safety, particularly in a post-pandemic era when commercial travel can be unpredictable. Entrepreneurs see it as flexibility, allowing them to build ventures across borders.

Through its fractional model and expansive fleet, NetJets has not only democratized access (within the affluent segment) but also set industry standards. Competitors such as VistaJet, Flexjet, and Wheels Up have followed in its footsteps, yet NetJets continues to command the largest fleet and the deepest market penetration.

The Human Element: Pilots, Crew, and Clients

Behind every flight is a human story. NetJets employs thousands of pilots, crew members, and support staff who make its promise of excellence a reality. Pilots often cite the company’s investment in training and safety as unmatched, while clients emphasize the peace of mind of knowing they can trust the same team year after year.

For many frequent flyers, their relationship with NetJets is deeply personal. It is not uncommon for a CEO to know their pilots by name or for families to request the same crew for special trips. This continuity of service fosters trust and loyalty—intangibles that cannot be measured solely in financial terms.

Impression

From its humble beginnings with 10 jets in 1964 to its current standing as the global leader in private aviation, NetJets has written one of the most compelling success stories in modern business. Its journey is one of vision, resilience, and constant reinvention.

More than just an operator of aircraft, NetJets symbolizes what happens when innovation meets service, when haute aligns with efficiency, and when a bold idea grows into a global legacy.

In the end, NetJets’ story is not only about planes—it is about people, trust, and the enduring human desire to conquer distance with speed, safety, and style.

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