In the first half of 2021, VistaJet sold over 8,000 new annual subscription hours, an increase of 67% on 2020 figures and a 41% rise over 2019 levels. XO Deposit Members were up 82%, with three times as many sales in the period compared with 2020.
The Vista Global Group’s on demand services also performed strongly during the period, with a year-on-year growth of 67% across all markets, and 55% up on 2019.
New Private Aviation Flyers
Most private aviation companies we have talked to say they have seen a lot of new customers over the last 12 months. These new private flyers are attracted to the relative safety of private aviation during the COVID pandemic.
Vista has seen very similar trends, saying that over the last year 71% of VistaJet's new incoming requests are from passengers who have not regularly used business aviation solutions before. In addition, VistaJet had a 29% increase in new Members. The company says it thinks this is still a fraction of the potential market of private jet fliers, and expects the increased number of first-time private flyers to keep growing in 2021 and beyond as travelers are looking for more safe and reliable flight solutions.
Global Growth
VistaJet is a very global company, and its long range, large cabin aircraft fly to over 180 countries around the world. The combined Vista Global brands make it the world’s largest on demand charter provider by hours flown, with a total of 123,000 hours in 2020. As noted above, the Group says it has seen an increase year-on-year in global flight hours across its operating companies. This trend accelerated in the second quarter of 2021 as Vista registered a surge in demand over and above pre-pandemic flying.
Regionally, the Middle East saw an increase of 153% in flight hours, with North America and Europe registering 76% and 41% respectively. As the market remained open for domestic flying, business travel rebounding and international flying resuming in June, North America continues to account for the majority of total Group departures at 71%.
Thomas Flohr, Vista’s Founder and Chairman said: “It has been an exceptional start to 2021 for Vista and we are making groundbreaking progress in all corners of the world in enhancing our position as the global pioneer within the business aviation industry. Vista has seen a record first half of the year across all metrics and is seeing huge demand for our subscription and On Demand based offerings. The surge in demand demonstrates how private aviation is the critical mobility solution, as sudden local restrictions continue to cause uncertainty for commercial fliers.”
Adding Aircraft
Over the past year, Vista says it has been integrating Red Wing Aviation, Apollo Jets and Talon Air into its portfolio. These integrations have added light jets and aircraft management services to the Groups offerings in North America.
The Group has also accelerated the growth of its global fleet, with four ultra-long range Bombardier Global 7500s now available globally for service under the VistaJet brand. In addition, XO added 15 new aircraft in the first half of 2021.
Through 2021, the Group says it is upgrading its interiors across both VistaJet and XO aircraft to further enhance client experience on board. These developments include the installation of greater in-flight connectivity and technology. Overall the group offers access to its owned global fleet of over 180 aircraft plus a network of over 2,100 alliance jets.
Thomas Flohr continued: “The flexibility of the Group’s fleet and its global footprint has allowed Vista to take full advantage of the strong resurgence in global demand from new and existing Members worldwide. Our trusted brands, coupled with the acceleration of our proprietary technology provides us with a significant advantage in the industry, creating superior client value and elevated end-to-end experience.”