CLEVELAND — Flexjet is no longer flying under the radar at its home base. The private aviation company has unveiled a new $50 million global headquarters. You can't miss it as you pass through the main entrance to the Cuyahoga County Airport.
”For years there was an old hangar that was built here in the 20s. And when you came by here, you didn't see this as a really important spot in Cleveland,” said Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci. “But now I think putting this as the anchor on the corner of the building makes a real statement.”
The building also serves as Flexjet's global operations control center, which features the largest, seamless LED display in the U. S., receiving data from over 30 locations around the world. Flexjet manages its current fleet of 270 private aircraft. The technology gives them the ability to double that number in the future.
"When I walked in here the first day because I really didn't plan it, But, there was a tear in my eye,” recalls Ricci. “To think that, what was able to happen here. But it's not me, there are a bunch of people in this room that make this happen."
The building gives employees and travelers a view of how Flexjet has evolved.
"It was designed so that the airplane comes in, the customer can walk right into the conference room and look over into the and to see the ops center," Ricci said. "I think it's going to be a great showplace for Cleveland. I don't think people understand what goes on in Cleveland and they can see this kind of operation. It's amazing. People will come from all over the country to see this."
The private aviation industry grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, that trend has continued.
"We're about a 50% larger company now than we were going into Covid. And this is just a reflection of part of that growth," Ricci stated.
The new headquarters is home to 670 of the company's 4,000 employees. They hope to inspire the next generation, through tours and speaker series, with Richmond Heights High School. And Flexjet recently partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which specializes in aviation and aerospace.
"The best thing about aviation is it's a fun place to work and it's a fun place to tell your friends about,” said Ricci. “And of course, then you're in a building like this where you get to work. So, the natural extension of that is to be able to cultivate people into that."
The headquarters is only part of the Flexjet campus at the airport. Renovations of other buildings are currently underway.
