Story ID: 
Vista Global's Charter Operations Finish 2020 Strong
By: Jerry Siebenmark
Caption: The holding company of VistaJet and XO says it is entering the new year with "robust liquidity" and "broad access to capital."
Word Count: 215
Vista Global experienced double-digit increases in new memberships and bookings at its charter operations VistaJet and XO in 2020 and expects continued growth this year, the Dubai-based business aviation holding company announced. “We are entering 2021 with optimism and grounded positivity following the unprecedented events of 2020,” said Vista Global chairman and founder Thomas Flohr. “It is a pivotal and exciting time in our sector, and I am extremely aware of the critical, growing role private aviation will play as part of the global economy for years to come.”

VistaJet recorded a 29 percent year-over-year gain internationally in new memberships last year, with Europe accounting for 43 percent of new memberships, followed by North America at 25 percent, Asia at 18 percent, and the Middle East at 10 percent. In addition, VistaJet’s on-demand bookings climbed 15 percent in the same period.

Vista’s XO on-demand platform also saw a 2020 surge in new memberships that was three times higher than in 2019. XO flight hours were also 6 percent higher year-over-year.

The company said it is confident of “further significant” membership growth in 2021 and noted that its “highly generative cash model and the prudent financial decisions made through 2020 have resulted in a robust liquidity position with broad access to capital to be able to support its growth plans.”