At SOLJETS, transforming an aircraft is not about quick cosmetic upgrades. It is a structured, multi phase process designed to create value at every stage.

The current project, Cessna Citation Mustang N448SJ, is a strong example of that approach. While the aircraft is still in progress, it has already moved through several key phases from acquisition through planning and is now in the paint strip and repaint phase.

Here is a look at how the process has progressed so far.

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Acquisition & Entry Into the U.S. Market
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Every aircraft transformation starts with selecting the right platform.

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Acquisition / Purchase

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N448SJ was acquired based on its overall pedigree, remaining life, and potential for repositioning in today’s market. We had prior history with this aircraft, having assisted in its sale in 2016 when it was exported from the United States, which gave us added familiarity and confidence going into the process.

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The opportunity first surfaced off-market, and we tracked it over time. When the aircraft officially came to market in December, we moved quickly to secure it. The Cessna Citation Mustang remains one of the most desirable entry-level jets, making it an ideal candidate for a structured upgrade.

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Pre-Purchase Inspection

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A targeted pre-purchase evaluation was completed to assess structural condition, systems, and overall aircraft health. This step is designed to identify any issues that could impact timeline, cost, or overall project viability.

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In this case, the seller already had the aircraft in maintenance at Textron Valencia, which allowed us to build our evaluation into that existing work scope. This created efficiency in both timing and cost while still providing the level of insight needed to move forward with confidence.

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Title, Records, & Closing

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Ownership history and maintenance records were carefully reviewed to confirm clean title, complete documentation, and continuity of records, all of which are critical to long term value and resale.

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Once due diligence was complete, the transaction was finalized and ownership was transferred.

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Import, Registration, & Ferry

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The aircraft was de-registered from its foreign registry and brought onto the U.S. registry, receiving its FAA registration and tail number, N448SJ.

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A Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) completed the inspection and issued the Certificate of Airworthiness, confirming the aircraft meets FAA standards. In parallel, all import compliance and conformity requirements were addressed to align the aircraft with U.S. regulations.

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With regulatory work complete, the aircraft was ferried to the paint and interior facility, AeroSmith Aviation, to begin the transformation process. Coordinating the ferry required detailed planning across routing, customs clearance, insurance, and regulatory timing to ensure a smooth transition into the U.S. system.

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Evaluation & Planning

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Before any physical work begins, the aircraft is fully evaluated to define the scope and direction of the project. A comprehensive review was conducted across the aircraft’s exterior, interior, avionics, and mechanical systems to confirm baseline condition and refine the path forward.

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Exterior Evaluation

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The existing paint condition, surface integrity, and overall visual presentation were assessed. Based on this evaluation, a full repaint was selected as the most effective way to modernize the aircraft.

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Interior Evaluation

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The cabin was reviewed for wear, layout efficiency, and design opportunities. Early concepts were developed and materials have now been selected.

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Avionics Assessment

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The aircraft’s avionics suite was reviewed to determine whether updates or refinements would be required to meet current market expectations.

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Mechanical, Compliance & Maintenance Alignment

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Engines, systems, and mechanical components were reconfirmed against pre-acquisition findings to align condition, remaining life, and upcoming maintenance with the overall project plan. Airworthiness Directives, inspection status, program participation, and life-limited components were also reconfirmed to ensure full compliance and to incorporate any near-term maintenance into the scope of work.

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Budget, Planning & Scope Definition

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A detailed budget and scope of work were developed to balance investment with projected resale value, prioritizing a high impact exterior transformation supported by targeted interior and system enhancements.

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This phase is critical in ensuring the aircraft is not just improved visually, but positioned competitively from both a performance and ownership standpoint.

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Refurbishment & Upgrades (Current Phase)

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Exterior

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Paint Strip & Repaint (In Progress)

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N448SJ is currently in one of the most transformative stages of the project, the paint strip and repaint phase.

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The aircraft has been taken down to its base surface, allowing for a full inspection of underlying structure, removal of legacy coatings, and preparation of a clean foundation for the new finish. The new paint scheme has been carefully designed to modernize the aircraft’s appearance while maintaining a timeless, high-end look.

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The finalized scheme incorporates a white base with Smoke Gray and Sable Black accents, creating a clean, high-contrast profile. The design features layered striping that flows across the fuselage, precise spacing with a consistent one inch white separation between color bands, and a clean, stylized tail number with added depth and contrast.

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At this stage, the focus is entirely on execution, ensuring every line, transition, and surface meets exact specifications before final finishing.

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What Comes Next

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While the exterior repaint is underway, the next phase of the transformation is already in motion. Interior materials and finishes have been selected, setting the direction for a cohesive, high end cabin upgrade. At the same time, remaining maintenance items are being aligned to ensure the aircraft is fully prepared for delivery. Final detailing and finishing will follow as the aircraft moves toward completion.

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Each step builds toward delivering an aircraft that not only meets market expectations but exceeds them.

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A Process, Not Just a Project

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The transformation of N448SJ is still in progress, but even at this stage, it highlights what goes into a successful aircraft transformation.

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From acquisition and regulatory work to evaluation and now refurbishment, every phase is executed with intention.

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This isn’t just about improving how the aircraft looks. It is about creating a more complete, more valuable, and more competitive aircraft by the time it returns to the market.

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