News Release

VistaJet celebrated as most innovative business aviation company and best operator for third consecutive time

VistaJet, the first and only global business aviation company, has received top honours at the Asian Business Aviation Association's Icons of Aviation Awards 2018. As well as being named the Most Innovative Company, VistaJet also earned the title of Best AOC Charter Operator for the third consecutive year. Presented by the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), the awards represent the votes of 150 of its members, including business aviation operators, brokers, corporations and peers in the aviation industry from across Asia.

The Best AOC Charter Operator award recognises VistaJet's industry-first achievements and exceptional operational standards. With over 70 consistently branded super-mid and long-range aircraft, VistaJet has flown to 1,600 airports in 187 countries, or 96% of the world. In the first half of 2018, VistaJet's passenger count increased by 18% and flight hours rose by 23% compared to the previous year in Asia. As an indication of the rapid growth in the region in the past year, these figures rose to 37% and 33% respectively by the third quarter.

Always pioneering new industry initiatives, in 2018 VistaJet launched The Jet Traveler Report, the first customer-centric analysis on the private aviation industry. VistaJet also oversaw a number of major global initiatives this year, including the partnership with British Polo Day for their 2018 worldwide tournament, and the global tour of The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller. The sale conducted by Christie's totaled over $832 million, the most significant auction in history, entirely dedicated to raising funds for philanthropic causes.

The Most Innovative Company award recognises creativity and innovation in the business aviation industry. In 2018 the company launched the most extensive children's private travel programme, Adventures in the Sky. Created for passengers aged one to 16, the programme turns cabins into playrooms and party venues. VistaJet has also taken the unprecedented step of training all of its cabin hostesses at Norland College, a prestigious childcare institute specialising in early education. Through a better knowledge of child development and behaviours, the crew can better understand family dynamics and recognise the specific needs of travelling families.

Leona Qi, VistaJet's president of Asia and US said: “It's truly an honour to receive recognition for VistaJet's continual effort on delivering exceptional cabin services. With a team of over 1,000 aviation specialists of 50 nationalities, every single flight is performed smoothly and to the highest safety standards, anytime, anywhere around the globe. Innovation is at the core of VistaJet's values; by thinking ahead of customer requests, we are committed to creating enriching experiences through creative strategies and initiatives.”

“AsBAA added the innovation award in 2018 to recognize and encourage technological advancements and creative “out of the box” thinking in our industry. VistaJet has achieved exactly that with its new children's services. The entertainment, catering and Alice in Wonderland themed package for children is inspired. The presentation of the concept was cleverly executed in the video and we are delighted to present the first ever Most Innovative Company award to its very deserved winner, VistaJet. We hope that more member companies will be inspired by VistaJet's example going forward. We also recognise VistaJet for winning the Best AOC Charter Operator award, as voted for by AsBAA members. Congratulations to the team at VistaJet,” said Jenny Lau, AsBAA chairperson.

In 2017, VistaJet received the biggest equity valuation ever for a private aviation company, exceeding US$2.5 billion, solidifying the company as one of Europe's top five, and Malta's first, Unicorn. With its strong financial standing and ongoing support from its members, VistaJet continues to expand its business through a broad network of partnerships across Asia and beyond.