OUR FLEET
We operate the largest mid-sized fleet in Austin & San Antonio, Texas. Our Citation VII jets are built for comfort and versatility, boasting range to either coast. Trust Merlin1 to get you where you need to go.
OUR PEOPLE
The Minds Behind Luminu
Elena Ramirez
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Amit Patel
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Li Wei
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Daniel Rodriquez
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Fatima Hassan
Head of Customer Experience
Jonah Smith
Senior Product Manager
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
Our meticulously modified jets bring reliability and cost savings to your travel plans. We've improved reliability and operating efficiency which allows us to bring more value at a lower cost than the competition.
What does that look like?
99% Dispatch Reliability and simple, up front pricing.
Non-stop to either coast from our hubs in Austin and San Antonio, TX.
2000 mile range
Our fleet of Citation VII jets has exceptional reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.
A proven jet
Your planes aren’t as new as competitors’. Why?
The Misconception of Aircraft Age Aircraft like the Citation 650 that Merlin1 flies (more commonly referred to as corporate aircraft), are built to the same exacting (FAR Part 25) standards and structural integrity of commercial jet airliners. In other words, the useful life expectancy of a corporate jet, like a commercial airliner, is roughly 60,000 flight hours. Airliners regularly meet this threshold, as annual utilization is up to 4,500 hours, sometimes more. Most corporate jets operate 200-400 hours per year and never come remotely close to useful life expectancy. Anyone that flies on scheduled airlines regularly has flown on aircraft with 40,000-plus total hours. Total aircraft time is a far more accurate barometer of aircraft age than is the date of manufacture.
Merlin1 acquires aircraft with approximately 4,000-8,000 hours total time, a fraction (less than 15%) of the usable engineered lifespan of the plane. We then perform a heavy check, refurbish the interior, upgrade the avionics if needed, install Wi-Fi and, if necessary, strip and paint the aircraft. Extensive aircraft specific documents and records are then submitted to the FAA for review. Upon completion of the review, two FAA inspectors with differing specializations then visit our facility and perform a “conformity inspection” which can last multiple days. This includes a review of the aircraft status, a check of the records, a maintenance audit and occasionally, a flight test. Upon successful completion of the conformity inspection the FAA grants an operating permit. This process takes three to six months at a cost of up to $1 million. The misconception that older aircraft are less safe or reliable is simply false.
Why do you only fly a fleet of Citation 650s?
Merlin1 sets itself apart in the private aviation industry through its strategic focus on operational efficiency and personalized customer service. By operating a fleet of pre-owned aircraft of a single type, Merlin1 has achieved significant cost savings and streamlined scheduling, maintenance, and pilot training and redundancy.
Maintenance Efficiency: A uniform fleet simplifies maintenance procedures, reducing the need for specialized tools and training. Merlin1's in-house maintenance capabilities further enhance efficiency, allowing for quicker turnaround times and minimizing disruptions to flight schedules.
Pilot Training and Redundancy: The company's standardized fleet facilitates efficient pilot training, as pilots only need to familiarize themselves with one aircraft type. This also ensures greater redundancy within the pilot pool, as any pilot can step in to fly any aircraft in the fleet, minimizing cancellations due to lack of crew availability.
BENEFITS OF A UNIFORM FLEET
Designed for efficiency, value, and reliability.
Ready to fly above the rest?
Freedom to move around and take in the views and company from every seat.
Standup Headroom Cabin
Say goodby to checked bag fees and beat up luggage.
60 Cubic Feet Baggage Capacity
Our fully customized interiors make room for family and friends so your trip flies by. Pets welcome!
Comfort for Eight
For work or entertainment, we'll keep you connected.
WiFi Enabled
Freshen up on the way.
Enclosed Private Lavatory
Priority service and attention to detail keep our fleet in the air and in impeccable condition inside and out.
Nine In-House Mechanics
CUSTOMIZED JUST FOR YOU
LUXURY AT 40,000 FEET
Customized for Comfort