ATLANTA — Wheels Up Experience Inc. has wrapped up a major chapter in its restructuring, retiring the last of its legacy jets from revenue service and completing a fleet modernization program some 18 months ahead of its original timeline.
The announcement on April 29 marks the end of a strategy first outlined in late 2023 to simplify operations around two modern, premium platforms: the Embraer Phenom 300 and 300E light jets and the Bombardier Challenger 300 and 350 super-midsize aircraft. By removing older types including the Citation X and Hawker 400XP, the company has lowered the average age of its fleet by roughly a decade while streamlining maintenance, training and scheduling.
"Achieving this milestone over a year ahead of schedule reflects the focus and discipline behind our fleet modernization strategy," said George Mattson, CEO of Wheels Up. "Retiring our legacy jet fleets from revenue service repositions our offering to a more consistent, premium and operationally efficient experience for our members and customers. We are encouraged by the higher customer satisfaction ratings we are receiving on our Phenom and Challenger offering and remain focused on building a stronger, simpler and more scalable aviation platform."
The accelerated timeline builds on earlier moves, including the acquisition of GrandView Aviation's Phenom fleet and multiple sale-leaseback deals that rapidly increased the proportion of modern jets. By late 2025 the new types already made up a substantial share of operations, with plans to nearly double the size of these fleets during 2026 exceeding initial expectations. As of the end of 2025, the company operated around nine Challenger 300s and more than 20 Phenom 300-series aircraft.
Members with existing commitments tied to the retired aircraft will see those trips fulfilled by Wheels Up's network of safety-vetted third-party operators. The company emphasized that customers will retain access to a wide variety of aircraft through its partner ecosystem, alongside the core standardized fleet that underpins its Signature Membership offering.
Launched in 2025, the Signature program guarantees nationwide access to the modern jets, integrates benefits from the long-standing Delta Air Lines partnership — including SkyMiles Diamond Medallion status and the ability to blend private and commercial itineraries — and has driven strong sales. The modernization also aligns with operational improvements, including better on-time performance and the rollout of enhanced connectivity such as Gogo Galileo HDX Wi-Fi across the fleet.
The changes form a central piece of Wheels Up's post-2023 recovery effort, backed by a major investment from Delta and other stakeholders. By focusing on two efficient platforms, the company expects to achieve greater scale, better match aircraft to demand patterns, and deliver a more predictable experience that appeals to both existing members and new corporate customers. Industry observers note the standardized livery and interior upgrades already underway should further strengthen brand consistency.
With the fleet transition now complete, Wheels Up says it will continue investing in technology, product integration and the customer experience while exploring further growth opportunities through its Delta relationship, including expanded self-booking capabilities. The move underscores a broader industry trend toward simplified fleets in the fractional and charter sector to control costs and elevate service reliability.