Best Jets clears FAA proving runs for Part 121 expansion

Best Jets International completed FAA proving runs on Aug. 6 for planned Part 121 supplemental operations, moving the St. Paul-based charter operator closer to approval for higher-capacity service. The company expects a final FAA decision in about three weeks and says the expansion will broaden its Embraer E170 charter offerings.

Why it matters: - Best Jets International is moving toward FAA approval to operate larger charter missions under Part 121, which would expand its reach beyond traditional private jet service. - The approval would let Best Jets serve more group travel demand, including corporate shuttles and sports, entertainment and other customized charter trips.

What happened: - Best Jets International said it completed required FAA proving runs for planned Part 121 supplemental operations on Aug. 6, 2026. - The company announced the milestone on Aug. 11, 2026. - Best Jets expects final FAA approval within about three weeks, pending remaining agency review and administrative steps. - Larry Gregg, executive vice president of Best Jets International, said the certification step marks an important move toward expanding the company’s Part 121 charter footprint.

The details: - FAA proving runs allow regulators to evaluate personnel, aircraft, procedures, maintenance programs and operational systems under actual flight conditions. - Best Jets is preparing a fleet of four Embraer E170 aircraft. - The fleet includes two 30-passenger Embraer E170s and two 60-passenger Embraer E170s. - All four aircraft are expected to complete conformity inspections by Nov. 1, 2026. - If the FAA grants final approval, Best Jets will operate under both Part 121 and Part 135. - The company says that dual approval would allow it to serve a broader range of aircraft sizes and charter missions. - Best Jets plans to expand charter services for corporations, professional sports teams, college athletic programs, music and entertainment groups, VIP travelers and other organizations needing group air transportation. - Best Jets also plans to grow corporate shuttle programs for recurring workforce and business travel needs in oil and gas, financial services, manufacturing, retail and banking, plus government agencies. - The Embraer E170 fleet will complement Best Jets International’s existing private jet fleet, which includes midsize, super-midsize and long-range aircraft. - Best Jets says the expansion strengthens its position as a full-service private aviation and charter operator.

Between the lines: - The move signals a shift from a primarily private-jet model toward higher-capacity, scheduled-style charter flexibility. - The mix of 30-seat and 60-seat aircraft suggests Best Jets is targeting both smaller premium groups and larger team or company travel. - The timing of conformity inspections before final FAA approval indicates the company is still in the last steps of certification work.

What's next: - Best Jets is waiting for the FAA’s final review and administrative sign-off. - The company expects the four Embraer E170s to clear conformity inspections by Nov. 1, 2026. - Final approval would allow Best Jets to begin operating the new Part 121 supplemental service alongside its existing Part 135 business.

The bottom line: - Best Jets has cleared a key regulatory hurdle and is close to launching a larger, more flexible charter operation.