Story ID: 345
VistaJet Continues Strong Growth with Unified Fleet
By: James Wynbrandt
Caption: Amidst robust 2022 sales, global charter fleet operator VistaJet is highlighting its newly expanded and unified fleet and new service options.
Word Count: 788
Charter fleet owner-operator VistaJet International revealed at NBAA-BACE the results of its global fleet expansion, the fruit of an aggressive acquisition strategy that began with its 2018 purchase of XOJet and continued this year with its roll-ups of charter operators Jet Edge in the U.S. and Germany’s Air Hamburg.
“We want the market to understand our acquisition plan and how we are integrating the companies,” said Leona Qi, president VistaJet U.S., a few days before the Orlando gathering.
VistaJet is now upgrading interiors, training flight and cabin crews, provisioning cabins with luxury amenities, and repainting the aircraft acquired in its acquisitions in the company’s signature red-accented silver livery. The goal, said Qi: “To Vista-cize the entire fleet to the VistaJet standard.”
This year’s acquisitions have added 200 predominantly large-cabin jets to its roster—more than doubling the total fleet to some 350 jets—and includes the worldwide infrastructure necessary to support their operations, Qi said.
To take advantage of the larger lift pool efficiently, the Malta-based company has added access options for its current and prospective customers and is highlighting the new plans in Orlando.
Among the biggest changes for current customers: super midsize jets—the Challenger 300/350s from the former XO fleet—have been added to the VistaJet fleet, which previously included only large-cabin and ultra-long-range jets. XO, meanwhile, has been repurposed as an aircraft brokerage to serve members’ off-fleet needs, as well as the public at large.
VistaJet’s premier product remains its three-year, 50 flight hours per year minimum subscription membership, providing access to its global fleet, including the Bombardier Global 7500.
For these members, VistaJet has added a “hybrid” option that provides regional or zone plans (either east of the Mississippi in the U.S. or within Western Europe) that include access to midsize jets. Service will be on Citation Ultras, Xs, and XLSs that wear VistaJet livery but are not considered part of the core fleet, at lower hourly costs than premier program rates.
For potential customers seeking a regional plan with less commitment, VistaJet has introduced the VJ25 plan. It provides 25 to 49 flight hours per year access to fleet aircraft within two service zones: east of the Mississippi in the U.S.; and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. However, unlike its premier membership, VJ25 has 40 designated high-demand days annually, during which on-fleet access is subject to availability, and comes with a 15 percent premium charge. If no fleet aircraft are available, XO can find and book a suitable alternative and add a service charge. VJ25 customers can exercise their fleet access in either market, but when out of the home service area, lift is subject to availability.
VistaJet is introducing VJ25 as a limited edition program, restricted to 100 customers; 15 sales had been made as of late September, Qi said. After the first 100 customers are onboard, the company will evaluate the plan’s impact on the fleet before expanding availability.
Though executive travel has reportedly been underrepresented amidst the Covid era’s spike in charter demand, these travelers remain an important part of VistaJet’s clientele, and the company is also considering expanding its corporate travel program options, Qi said. “We’re trying to incorporate light and midsize jets into the product, but it hasn’t officially launched.”
Qi noted that even without acquisitions, the fleet continues to grow organically through deliveries of Global 7500s (13 are now in its fleet) and other new jets. At EBACE this year, VistaJet floated the idea of shifting some of its remaining Global 7500 orders to the newly announced Global 8000, a faster, longer, and longer-range sibling. When asked for an update, Qi said, “We are still evaluating our options. Everything is being negotiated.”
Financial performance has been strong in the first half of this year, with 43 percent year-over-year growth in subscription program members, and 76 percent growth in program hours sold, the company reported—over 25 percent more hours than sold in the entire pre-pandemic 2019 year.
VistaJet has been aggressively promoting sustainability, setting a carbon neutrality goal of 2025 for itself via carbon offsets and SAF, 25 years ahead of the industry’s 2050 timeline. Pursuant to that, VistaJet offers customers the option of buying carbon offsets for their flights, with VistaJet making up the shortfall between voluntary offsets versus total annual flights. Last year 80 percent signed up for the offset program. “I'm happy to report today, 85 percent of our members have opted in,” said Qi.
VistaJet has also released two annual reports documenting its internal sustainability initiatives and their results.
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