Vista Global Holding (Vista), one of the world’s leading private aviation companies, reported record sales across Vista’s core subscription offerings. Vista says client demand continues to grow for both VistaJet and XO memberships.
Membership Sales Up
For the VistaJet brand, sales of the prepaid subscription Program reached all-time highs – this is the customized jet card type program at VistaJet. A 25% increase in VistaJet members has driven a 76% year-on-year growth in gross Program hours sold during H1 2022, and 27% higher than pre-pandemic full year 2019. The number of flight hours in the U.S. saw a 35% year-on-year increase.
At sister brand XO the number of Deposit Members increased 33% against the same time last year. The recently acquired Jet Edge further expands the group’s member base with the addition of an additional 400 unique deposit members through the brand’s Reserve program.
Thomas Flohr, Vista’s Founder and Chairman said: “It has been an impressive start to 2022 for Vista as we continue to grow across all markets globally, particularly in the United States. As business aviation remains robust, we have seen huge demand as clients turn to Vista for their flying needs. Contract sizes continue to grow as clients add hours to fulfil their flying requirements around the world. Vista’s trusted brands, shared economy model, asset light offerings away from full or fractional ownership and proprietary technology create superior client value and elevated end-to-end experience.”
Global Growth
Regionally, North America accounted for around half of VistaJet’s Program revenue, with sales more than doubling in the region. This was driven by both existing clients adding hours and new client sign-ups.
Europe was the fastest growing region in terms of flight activity and revenue, both of which more than doubled year-on-year. This increase came despite the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and backdrop. VistaJet’s Program sales followed suit with hours sold up 65% both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year.
There are also strong signs of activity picking up in Asia with a 77% increase in hours sold compared with the same period last year, while growth in the Middle East was driven by existing clients purchasing more hours, with total hours sold up by 60% year-on-year.
Fleet Numbers Over 350
The strong performance during the first six months of 2022 is supported by a significantly larger fleet, which has expanded from around 200 aircraft at the end of 2021 to more than 350 by mid-2022 through acquisitions and delivery of aircraft orders. Over the last 10 years Vista says it has invested over $4 billion in its fleet expansion. Most recently it has taken delivery of the world’s largest fleet of ultra-long range Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft, currently at 12, and also with 10 new Bombardier Challenger 350s being delivered through 2022.
The acquisitions of Air Hamburg and Jet Edge, which both closed in May 2022, further expanded the group’s aircraft portfolio. These acquisitions form part of Vista’s strategy to transform the fragmented business aviation ecosystem and increase its presence across the core regions of North America, Europe and the Middle East. In addition, the group has been upgrading Wi-Fi connectivity and providing new cabin interiors across all fleets.