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Flexjet
Flexjet
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Flexjet is an American provider of fractional ownership aircraft, leasing, and jet card services. Founded in 1995 as a division of Bombardier Aerospace, it is currently owned by Directional Aviation, an aviation private investment firm.

Key Information

Background

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Flexjet is a provider of fractional jet ownership, leasing, and jet card services as well as private helicopter fractional, leasing and charter services. Directional Aviation, the private investment firm founded by aviation entrepreneur Kenn Ricci, has owned Flexjet since 2013.[2] Headquartered in Richmond Heights, Ohio, Flexjet is led by Ricci, its chairman, and by Michael J. Silvestro, its chief executive officer. Flexjet is one of the largest fractional private jet companies. The company serves over 2,100 clients.[3]

History

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Founded in 1995, Flexjet entered the fractional jet ownership market as a division of Bombardier Aerospace, the world's largest business aviation manufacturer[4] and itself a division of Bombardier Inc.[5]

By 1998, doing business as Business Jet Solutions, Flexjet had 41 aircraft, including the Learjet 31A, Learjet 45, Learjet 60, and Challenger 600 series, serving more than 200 clients.[6]

At one time, Flexjet offered not only fractional ownership and jet card but also aircraft charter services. Flexjet entered the charter market in 2000 when Bombardier Aerospace acquired Skyjet, which pioneered the online booking of private jet charters. Under Bombardier, Skyjet became one of the first companies to offer a membership program; eventually, the program became the Skyjet Card.[7]

By 2002, Flexjet had seen 20 percent annual growth since its founding. It employed more than 1,000 people, half of them flight crew members and operated a fleet of 105 aircraft to serve 640 owners. At the time, Flexjet held an approximately one-sixth of the total fractional market, which then amounted to 650 aircraft and 3,500 owners.[1]

Flexjet saw its first substantial profit in 2006, with sales of fractional shares up 28 percent and revenue up 30 percent compared to 2005. It maintained the approximate 16 percent share of the fractional market it had enjoyed four years earlier. During this period, the company began expanding its range of aircraft, including the Learjet 40 and 45, 60, 60 XR, Challenger 300, Challenger 604, and Challenger 605.[citation needed]

In 2008, VistaJet acquired the firm's non-U.S. operations, then branded as Skyjet International. Subsequently, Flexjet consolidated the remaining domestic charter services under its own brand.[8]

In September 2013, private aviation investment firm Directional Aviation announced that it would acquire Flexjet from Bombardier for $185 million in cash.[2] At the same time, Flexjet placed orders with Bombardier for 85 jets valued at about $1.8 billion, with options for up to an additional 160 jets that could bring the contract's value to $5.2 billion.[9]

In 2014, Flexjet exited the charter market. As part of the first consolidation of its aviation companies, Directional Aviation moved the charter brokerage operations of its Flexjet and Sentient Jet companies to the Skyjet brand. Skyjet would concentrate solely on charter services, with Flexjet continuing to offer fractional programs and Sentient Jet offering jet card programs.[10] Flexjet offered three programs: fractional ownership, lease, and the Flexjet 25 Jet Card.

In 2015, Flexjet launched Red Label, an offering under which each aircraft has a dedicated flight crew, customized interiors, and customized seating configurations making up one of the industry's most modern fleet of aircraft.[11]

Other developments included the 2016 opening of the company's first exclusive private jet terminal, in Naples, Florida,[12] followed by the opening of similar facilities at West Palm Beach, Florida and Westchester County Airport, New York. Additional facilities since have been opened at Love Field in Dallas, Texas; Teterboro Airport in Bergen County, New Jersey; and Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, California.[13]

Flexjet also announced the launch of intra-European service in 2016, establishing the infrastructure for its offering initially through the acquisition of United Kingdom-based charter and management company Flairjet.[citation needed] More recently, OneSky acquired United Kingdom-headquartered PrivateFly, a digital booking service for private jet charter flights.[14] Flexjet also acquired an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for and opened a new Malta Operational Centre in Sliema, continuing the expansion of its European operation.[15]

In late 2019, Flexjet announced its European operation would be led by Marine Eugène, former head of sales in Europe for NetJets.[16] Flexjet's European expansion continued with the opening of Flexjet House in London to serve as their European headquarters. In addition, a European Tactical Control Center to coordinate flight logistics and an aircraft maintenance facility were opened at Farnborough Airport in the United Kingdom.[17]

In 2021, Flexjet acquired two leading helicopter travel providers: U.K.-based Halo Aviation and U.S.-based Associated Aircraft Group.[18] The company added private helicopter leasing and charter services and formed a private helicopter division that sells fractional, lease and on-demand charter access to its fleet of owned and operated Sikorsky S-76 private helicopters serving locations throughout the Northeastern United States and Florida.[citation needed]

In 2022, Flexjet announced plans to hire 350 pilots in addition to its current total of 800 and add another 50 aircraft by the end of the year.[19]

In October 2022, Flexjet agreed to enter into an agreement to merge with Horizon Acquisition Corporation II (NYSE: HZON), a publicly traded special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) led by Todd Boehly. Following completion of the merger, Flexjet would become a publicly traded company under the ticker symbol “FXJ.”[20][21][22] In April 2023, Flexjet announced the deal would be terminated.[23]

Flexjet has received awards and certifications for safety including the Federal Aviation Administration's Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance, awarded to Flexjet in 2022 for the 23rd consecutive year.[24] Flexjet also has received the Aviation Research Group/US (ARG/US) Platinum Safety Rating since 2008.[25]

In July 2025, Flexjet completed an $800 million equity investment round led by L Catterton, the private equity firm backed by luxury conglomerate LVMH, with participation from KSL Capital Partners and J. Safra Group.[26][27] The funding, described as the largest equity financing deal in private aviation history, valued the company at $4 billion.[28] Of the total investment, $200 million went to existing shareholders while $600 million was allocated for infrastructure development and company growth.

In Sep 2025, Flexjet announced the addition of the Gulfstream G700 to its fleet, expanding its ultra-long-range aircraft offerings. The G700, recognized as the largest and fastest business jet produced by Gulfstream Aerospace, became available to Flexjet clients through the company’s fractional ownership program. This addition provided immediate access to the aircraft’s advanced range capabilities and enhanced cabin design, further strengthening Flexjet’s position in the global private aviation market.[29]

Incidents

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On February 25, 2025, Flexjet flight 560 was involved with a runway incursion incident at Chicago Midway International Airport when the aircraft failed to hold short of runway 31C as instructed by air traffic control, and proceeded to cross onto the runway, prompting Southwest flight 2504 to perform a go-around maneuver to avoid a collision during its final approach. Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating this incident.[30][31]

Fleet

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Flexjet Fleet
As of 30 November 2025
Aircraft Type In service Passengers Ref
Embraer Phenom 300 Light Jet 61 7 [32]
Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Praetor 500/600 Mid-Size Jet 93 8 or 9 [32]
Bombardier Challenger 300 (Challenger 350/3500) Super Mid-Size Jet 100 8 or 9 [32]
Gulfstream G450 Large Cabin Jet 29 16 [32]
Gulfstream G650 ER Ultra-Long-Range Jet 28 15 [32]
Gulfstream G700 Ultra-Long-Range Jet 3 15 [33]
Total 314


See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Flexjet is an American company specializing in fractional jet ownership, leasing, programs, on-demand services, and management, operating a global fleet of over 300 and serving as the world's second-largest private jet operator. Founded on May 15, 1995, as a between Bombardier Aerospace Group and AMR Combs—the parent company of —Flexjet pioneered models in private , allowing clients to purchase shares of for flexible usage without full responsibilities. The company was acquired in 2013 by Directional Aviation, a private investment firm, under which it has expanded significantly, including a $1.4 billion order for 182 jets in 2019 and plans to double its fleet to approximately 600 by 2031 through a $7 billion deal signed in February 2025, and an $800 million equity investment in July 2025 valuing the company at $4 billion. Headquartered in a 51,000-square-foot global facility in , , since 2023, Flexjet employs over 4,300 people worldwide and maintains operations across the , , and beyond, with recent expansions including a new terminal at in the UK set to open in early 2026. The company's fleet features a diverse range of high-end from manufacturers such as , Bombardier, and Gulfstream, including models like the Praetor 500 and 600, Challenger 350 and 3500, and Gulfstream G450 and G650, complemented by an owned fleet of helicopters introduced in 2022 for enhanced short-range and urban access. Flexjet emphasizes luxury and , achieving carbon-neutral operations in 2022 through partnerships like its role as the first business aviation collaborator with Alder Fuels for sustainable GreenCrude, and launching premium cabin designs such as the LXi Cabin Collection in December 2024. Its service offerings, including the Flexjet 25 for guaranteed access to the fleet without upfront capital investment, cater to high-net-worth individuals and corporations seeking reliable, on-demand private travel.

Company Overview

Business Model

Flexjet's core business model revolves around fractional jet ownership, a concept the company introduced to the industry in as a involving . Under this model, clients purchase shares in a specific , typically ranging from 1/16th (equivalent to 50 annual flight hours) to 1/2 (400 hours), based on an assumed 800-hour annual utilization per jet. This ownership grants proportional access rights to the , with Flexjet assuming full responsibility for , crew management, , and operational oversight, allowing owners to avoid the complexities of direct handling. Complementing fractional ownership, Flexjet offers jet card programs, which provide prepaid blocks of flight hours without any equity stake in the , enabling flexible access to the fleet on a pay-as-you-go basis. Additionally, the company provides leasing options for short- to medium-term arrangements, delivering dedicated access to an for durations typically spanning 12 to 60 months, while Flexjet retains ownership and manages all operational aspects. These alternatives cater to clients seeking entry into without long-term commitments, broadening Flexjet's appeal beyond traditional fractional buyers. Revenue generation primarily stems from the initial sale of fractional shares, ongoing monthly management fees that cover fixed costs like hangar space and crew salaries, and occupied hourly rates charged for actual , which vary by type, plus fuel surcharges. This model differentiates Flexjet from full charters, which operate on a per-trip basis without priority access, and traditional whole-aircraft ownership, which burdens individuals or corporations with all maintenance and operational risks. By pooling resources across shared assets, achieves significant cost efficiencies compared to full ownership while offering high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients guaranteed availability within 10-24 hours and global operational flexibility. Under its ownership by Directional Aviation since 2013, with a July 2025 $800 million investment from acquiring a 20% stake, Flexjet has evolved the model to incorporate initiatives, including the integration of sustainable (SAF) as an optional upgrade for owners, which can significantly reduce carbon emissions on compatible flights, alongside standard 100% carbon offsetting for all operations. This enhancement aligns the business with environmental demands, potentially attracting eco-conscious clients without altering the core revenue framework.

Services Offered

Flexjet offers programs where clients purchase an undivided interest in a specific , such as a 1/16th share equating to 50 flight hours annually, with minimum commitments starting at 50 hours per year and contract terms ranging from 30 to 60 months or more. This structure provides benefits including guaranteed access to the with a 10-hour notice for scheduling and 24/7 priority support, along with features like short-leg waivers (two per 50-hour share for flights under one hour) and the ability to interchange hours across the fleet. The company's jet card programs, including the Flexjet 25, cater to users flying 25 or more hours annually without requiring ownership, featuring initial deposits based on prepaid hours multiplied by the hourly rate plus a 7.5% federal excise tax. Hourly rates vary by type, such as approximately $7,937 for a Phenom 300 light jet, with perks including inclusive , access to an extended service area without additional fees, and opportunities for empty-leg flights. Red Label, exclusive to super-midsize and larger fractional owners, enhances these with luxury upgrades like customized interiors. For non-owners seeking flexibility, Flexjet provides on-demand services through its affiliated FXAIR broker, enabling ad-hoc bookings for one-off trips, alongside full or partial options for extended use starting at 50 hours annually over 30 to 60 months. Helicopter services are integrated via Flexjet's private helicopter division, allowing seamless interchange of jet hours for flights in the and , with standalone fractional, , or options for urban transfers. Value-added services include dedicated flight crews, customizable in-flight catering, and support for international travel, complemented by ground handling at Flexjet's network of private terminals that offer amenities like on-site reservations for and transportation. These terminals, supported by the company's global facilities, ensure streamlined operations from arrival to departure. Recent enhancements as of 2025 include a carbon offset program offsetting 100% of CO2 emissions for flights and 300% for European operations at no extra cost to clients, alongside the for real-time booking, itinerary tracking, and flight management.

History

Founding and Early Development (1995–2013)

Flexjet was founded on May 15, 1995, as a division of Bombardier Aerospace in partnership with AMR Combs, the parent company of American Airlines, to broaden access to fractional aircraft ownership for clients who preferred shares over purchasing entire jets. The initiative aimed to leverage Bombardier's manufacturing expertise to create a dedicated sales channel for its business jets, targeting corporate and high-net-worth individuals seeking flexible private aviation options. Launched initially with a fleet featuring Learjet 31 and 35 light jets, the program quickly established itself as a premium fractional ownership provider, operating under the Business Jet Solutions joint venture. Early milestones included rapid growth, with Flexjet expanding to approximately 120 aircraft and 1,500 employees, including nearly 1,000 pilots, by 2001. This period also saw the establishment of its U.S. operations base in , , a suburb that became central to its North American activities. Key developments in the late 1990s involved introducing mid-size jets from the Challenger series, such as the Challenger 300 launched in 1999, which enhanced range and comfort for transcontinental flights. Positioned as a luxury competitor to established players like , Flexjet achieved approximately 18% of the U.S. market share by the early 2000s. The company faced challenges following the , 2001, attacks, which caused a significant slowdown in business aviation demand. Flexjet adapted by diversifying into the charter market in 2000 through Bombardier's acquisition of Skyjet, an early online charter service, helping to stabilize revenue amid reduced fractional sales. Bombardier solidified its control by acquiring AMR Combs' stake in 1998, further emphasizing Flexjet as a primary outlet for its aircraft lineup. By the early 2010s, Flexjet's operations spanned North America, serving a core base of corporate clients with a focus on customized fractional shares and reliability. No major ownership changes occurred during this era, maintaining stability under Bombardier until the announcement of its sale in 2013.

Acquisition and Expansion (2013–present)

In 2013, Directional Aviation acquired Flexjet from Bombardier for $185 million in cash, marking a pivotal shift in ownership and strategy for the fractional jet provider. As part of the transaction, Directional Aviation, the parent company of rival fractional operator Flight Options, merged the two entities, consolidating operations under the stronger Flexjet brand by 2015 and phasing out the Flight Options identity to streamline branding and enhance market positioning. This acquisition immediately catalyzed growth, with Flexjet placing a firm order for 85 Bombardier business jets valued at $1.8 billion, including models like the Challenger 350 and Learjet 75, to bolster its fleet and support expanded fractional ownership offerings. Post-acquisition expansion accelerated, particularly in international markets. In 2016, Flexjet acquired UK-based FlairJet from Marshall Aerospace, gaining a European and establishing a foundation for transatlantic operations with bases in Birmingham and . By 2018, these initiatives had significantly expanded the fleet, reflecting aggressive scaling under Directional Aviation's leadership. Entering the 2020s, Flexjet integrated advanced Praetor series jets, including the Praetor 500 and 600, to enhance mid- and super-midsize capabilities amid rising demand for efficient long-range travel. The fleet surpassed 270 aircraft by the end of 2022, supported by a workforce of 1,300 pilots. Key milestones included a February 2025 firm order for 182 jets—comprising Phenom 300E, Praetor 500, and Praetor 600 models—valued at up to $7 billion, representing the largest such commitment in company history and underscoring Flexjet's focus on modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. In September 2025, Flexjet unveiled its first Gulfstream G700, adding ultra-long-range capability to the fleet and targeting high-end fractional shares for transoceanic routes. Strategic investments further propelled growth, with an $800 million equity round in July 2025 led by —backed by —valuing Flexjet at $4 billion and involving partners like KSL Capital Partners and the . Employee numbers expanded to over 4,000 worldwide by mid-2025, enabling enhanced service across 30 global locations. Sustainability efforts advanced with full carbon-neutral operations achieved through partnerships like 4AIR, including automatic offsets for all flights and exploration of sustainable integration. As of November 2025, Flexjet stands as a market leader in fractional jet , operating a fleet exceeding 340 and helicopters across and , with recurring revenue from its subscription-based model driving consistent profitability.

Operations

Fleet

Flexjet's fleet comprises approximately 340 aircraft as of November 2025, encompassing a diverse mix of private jets and helicopters tailored for , leasing, and services, with strategic plans to expand beyond 600 units by the early through major recent orders. The composition emphasizes ultra-modern , maintaining an average age under five years to ensure high performance, efficiency, and reliability across global operations. In the light jet category, Flexjet operates over 60 aircraft, which provide a maximum range of about 2,000 nautical miles and are particularly suited for short-haul fractional share flights accommodating up to seven passengers, along with 3 jets. The midsize and super-midsize segments form the core of the fleet, featuring around 70 Embraer Praetor 500 jets with a range of 3,300 nautical miles, 37 , and 63 and 3500 aircraft offering ranges up to 3,200 nautical miles, with 23 Praetor 600 units for enhanced super-midsize capabilities, both introduced as newer additions to support versatile regional and transcontinental travel. Complementing these are the large-cabin options including 29 Gulfstream G450 and 9 . For ultra-long-range missions, the flagship Gulfstream G650 provides a 7,000-nautical-mile range, enabling nonstop global with one stop, while the recently introduced Gulfstream G700—with its first delivery in September 2025 and over 10 units on order—extends capabilities to 7,700 nautical miles for the most demanding intercontinental routes. Flexjet's helicopter operations include a dedicated owned fleet of helicopters for medium utility and light through strategic partnerships, enhancing door-to-door connectivity in regions like the , , and (exact quantities for helicopters not publicly specified). Strategically, Flexjet serves as the exclusive fractional provider for select models like the series and maintains a focus on fleet refreshment, highlighted by a $7 billion order for 182 jets (including Phenom 300E, 500, and 600) announced in February 2025, alongside a September 2025 firm order for 300 Phantom 3500 aircraft from Otto Aerospace, with deliveries slated to begin in 2030.

Global Network and Facilities

Flexjet's headquarters is situated in a state-of-the-art $50 million facility at Cuyahoga County Airport (KGJY) in , , which opened in September 2023. This modern structure serves as the central hub for the company's operations, featuring the industry's most advanced global equipped with a massive 176-foot-wide by 19-foot-high wall for real-time flight tracking and management. The facility enhances operational efficiency by integrating dispatch, customer service, and fleet oversight functions under one roof. To support its extensive crew network, Flexjet maintains pilot domiciles at over 115 locations throughout the , enabling pilots to base near their homes and reduce commute times. Key examples include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (KATL), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS), and (KJFK) in New York. Internationally, the company has established pilot basing in for European operations and in to facilitate services, aligning with its global expansion strategy. Flexjet's maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure is the largest in-house system in private , with its primary MRO facility located in , providing comprehensive support for its fleet. The company also operates exclusive private terminals designed for seamless passenger experiences, including facilities at (KTEB) in and (KVNY) in . A new custom-designed private terminal in , broke ground in May 2025 and is scheduled to open in late 2026, further expanding access in high-demand leisure markets. In Europe, Flexjet is constructing its first dedicated private terminal at (EGLF), set to open in early 2026. Complementing these are over 20 offices across the and the , ensuring localized support for operations and client services. On a global scale, Flexjet conducts European operations through its Flexjet Europe division, headquartered in , which provides and leasing services tailored to the region. Strategic partnerships extend access to and the , including a dedicated shared program launched in the latter with long-range aircraft capabilities for non-stop international travel. A 24/7 dispatch operation from the headquarters coordinates these activities, supporting a high volume of daily flights worldwide. In 2025, Flexjet continued infrastructure enhancements with investments in technology-integrated hangars and sustainable (SAF) fueling stations to promote environmental , while employing over 4,000 personnel across its network of sites.

Safety and Incidents

Safety Record and Compliance

Flexjet has maintained an exemplary safety record throughout its 30-year , with no fatal accidents reported. This achievement aligns with the broader trend among operators under FAA Part 91 Subpart K, which recorded zero fatal accidents from 2006 to 2021. Central to Flexjet's compliance framework are its operations under FAA Part 135 for charter services and Part 91 Subpart K for , supplemented by rigorous third-party audits. The operator has held the ARGUS Platinum Safety Rating continuously for 14 years as of 2024, reflecting adherence to the highest standards in pilot training, , and operational procedures. Additionally, Flexjet complies with IS-BAO Stage 2 across its global operations and has completed multiple Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Industry Audit Standards (IAS) for both Part 135 and Part 91 operations. In January 2025, Flexjet achieved full compliance with the FAA's new (SMS) mandate two years ahead of the May 2027 deadline, placing it in the top 1% of private jet providers and integrating advanced data analytics for ongoing risk mitigation. Flexjet's proactive safety initiatives emphasize data-driven enhancements and human factors training. The company integrates Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) programs, partnering with GE Aviation since 2019 to analyze flight data in real-time for hazard identification and procedural improvements. Pilot training includes recurrent sessions in in-house simulators, focusing on (CRM) to optimize decision-making and teamwork. Maintenance protocols incorporate GE Digital's Maintenance Insight platform, utilizing AI and for to detect component degradation early. These measures have earned Flexjet accolades such as the FAA Diamond Award for maintenance —its 25th consecutive win in 2024—and top rankings in by publications like International News (AIN) and Robb Report's Best of the Best for services. Compared to private industry averages, where business jet accident rates hover around 0.26 per 100,000 flight hours, Flexjet's emphasis on CRM and predictive technologies positions it as superior in mitigating and operational risks.

Notable Incidents

On September 21, 2023, a Flexjet-operated EMB-545 Praetor 500, registration N434FX, experienced a landing mishap at (KSSI) in Georgia. During an RNAV (GPS) approach to 4, the porpoised at approximately 500 feet and became unresponsive to control inputs, resulting in a hard, nose-low impact short of the threshold. The preliminary NTSB investigation noted substantial damage to the , wings, and , with the skidding 2,531 feet off the before stopping in the grass; however, the airframe was deemed repairable. The two crew members and six passengers were uninjured, and while the preliminary NTSB report noted a possible system anomaly, weather conditions included winds of 13 knots gusting to 23 knots. On February 25, 2025, Flexjet Challenger 350, registration N560FX (flight LXJ560), was involved in a at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). The taxied onto active Runway 31C without clearance while a 737-800 (flight WN2504, N8517F) was on , prompting the Southwest crew to initiate a with the passing approximately 200 feet behind the Challenger. The NTSB preliminary report cited crew failure to hold short due to confusion over taxi instructions, misidentification of the runway amid sun glare obscuring hold-short markings, and a communication lapse with ground control; no injuries occurred among the three occupants of the Challenger or 142 on the . The FAA launched an investigation into potential pilot deviation, and the Challenger departed uneventfully about 25 minutes later. On June 11, 2025, Flexjet Phenom 300, registration N369FX (flight LXJ369), suffered a rapid cabin depressurization while en route from Dallas-Addison Airport (ADS) to Denver-Centennial Airport (APA). The crew declared an emergency and descended to Flight Level 100 (FL100) near Ringling, Oklahoma, before diverting to a safe landing at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. According to reports, the incident was attributed to a mechanical fault in the pressurization system, with no injuries to occupants and no aircraft damage noted. The NTSB investigation confirmed the mechanical cause, and the event underscored routine handling of such anomalies in pressurized aircraft operations.

References

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