VistaJet sees a rise in US flight bookings

Global operator VistaJet reports that the US is the number one growth market for asset-free hourly subscription flight services model. In 2016 the number of flight bookings grew by 137 per cent year-on-year across its owned fleet, and over 65 per cent of new US customers came from corporations and Fortune 500 companies.

Founder and chairman Thomas Flohr says: “North America has the most mature business aviation market in the world, so for us to experience such advanced growth in a short timeframe is a true indication that this market is ready for change. We're excited to give customers a new option, arranging for flights to more cities in the US and around the globe, in collaboration with our partner Jet Aviation.”

100,000 flights

Since inception, VistaJet has safely performed more than 100,000 flights and has connected 250,000 passengers to over 1,600 airports in 187 countries. During 2016, 40 per cent of new business came from customers moving away from fractional or full aircraft ownership in favour of anytime access to its global fleet, to which it added 15 factory new business jets, equivalent to 26 per cent growth. New customers included principals as young as 25, and major technology companies purchasing 400+ flight hours for their executives to fly worldwide.

Flohr says: “What we're seeing is that due to broader uncertainty and changing attitudes to ownership, entrepreneurs and corporations want the flexibility and convenience of using a business aircraft but they don't want the asset risk or the up-front costs. Celebrating our 100,000th flight is a real indication that customers have found the answers they are looking for in our business model. We have invested in our fleet, our people, and our global infrastructure, to offer an unmatched service.”

Best of the best award

For the second time, VistaJet has been awarded Business Jet Operator Star Performer at the Hurun Research Institute's 'Best of the Best' ceremony in Shanghai. The awards are based on the results of the Luxury Consumer Survey 2017 which looks at the brand preferences, consumption habits and lifestyle trends of China's 449 wealthiest individuals.