Australia's Pacific Flight Services Retires Its Last Learjet 45

Australia's Pacific Flight Services Retires Its Last Learjet 45

Pacific Flight Services, a prominent Australian aviation operator, has officially retired its final Learjet 45, concluding nearly two decades of service with this aircraft in its executive charter and air ambulance operations. The 23.5-year-old jet, originally registered as VH-PFS and now listed in the United States as N880CH (msn 45-168), had been part of the company’s fleet since 2006. Based at Singapore Seletar Airport, the Learjet 45 was configured with nine seats, allowing for flexible use in both VIP transport and medical missions.

Withdrawal from Service and Current Status

The Learjet 45 was effectively withdrawn from active duty in January, with only two flights recorded thereafter: a test flight on April 17 and a repositioning flight to Kuala Lumpur Subang on May 22, where the aircraft currently remains parked. Notably, the jet has yet to operate under its new U.S. registration, marking a definitive end to its operational role within Pacific Flight Services.

Implications for the Regional Aviation Market

The retirement of the Learjet 45 represents a significant shift in Pacific Flight Services’ fleet composition and carries broader implications for the regional aviation sector. The departure of this versatile aircraft may create opportunities for other operators to fill the void in executive charter and air ambulance services, potentially intensifying competition. Industry analysts suggest that this development could trigger adjustments in pricing and service offerings as competitors respond to the evolving market landscape. Furthermore, the move may stimulate discussions regarding the future trajectory of business aviation in the region, prompting operators to reassess their fleet strategies in response to changing demand patterns.

Pacific Flight Services’ Current Fleet and Corporate Context

Despite retiring the Learjet 45, Pacific Flight Services maintains a diverse and capable fleet. This includes a Learjet 35A, primarily deployed for target tow missions, alongside three Gulfstream Aerospace jets—two G150s and a G550—used for VIP transport and medical evacuation. The company also operates a King Air C90 dedicated to flight inspection and radar calibration, as well as ten Pacific Aerospace CT/4B trainers employed by entities such as the Singapore Air Force.

Pacific Flight Services operates as a subsidiary of ST Engineering, a global technology, defence, and engineering conglomerate with extensive interests across aerospace, smart cities, defence, and public security sectors. As the company adapts its fleet and service offerings, the regional business aviation market remains under close observation, with stakeholders anticipating how operators will navigate emerging opportunities and challenges.