VistaJet expands fleet amid growing demand for long-haul travel

Global business aviation company VistaJet has taken delivery of its 10th Global 7500 business jet, making it the largest operator of the aircraft in the world.

The milestone, which took place in Montréal on March 29, also marks aircraft manufacturers Bombardier’s 100th delivery of the long-range jet.

VistaJet now owns 10% of the world’s Global 7500 fleet. The aircraft has a range of over 7,700nm and has been labelled an “industry leader” in long-haul private travel.

VistaJet passengers can travel long-haul on the Global 7500 to 187 countries worldwide. The company’s longest non-stop flight on the aircraft to date was São Paulo to the Maldives, with a flight time of 15 hours and 43 minutes.

The aircraft is also the first business jet with an Environmental Product Declaration, offering transparency on its performance. It reportedly flies at a higher altitude (up to 51,000ft) than commercial jets, where the air is thinner, which is said to allow the aircraft to fly faster while burning less fuel.

VistaJet plans to welcome a total of 17 Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft into its fleet by the end of 2022.

“We are extremely proud of this landmark moment with Bombardier, as we grow our Global 7500 fleet and meet the growing demand for ultra-long-range solutions,” said VistaJet’s founder and chairman Thomas Flohr.

“VistaJet is committed to a sustainable aviation future and supporting the global business industry with this expansion. Our enhanced product offering onboard the Global 7500 also guarantees that our clients, whether business or leisure travellers, are given the best and most seamless flying experience.

“We look forward to welcoming more members and supporting the business world as our growing fleet of Global 7500 aircraft opens a new era for long-haul private travel.”

Éric Martel, Bombardier’s president and chief executive, added: “I am thrilled to celebrate the 100th delivery of the Global 7500 aircraft with our valued customer, VistaJet.

“VistaJet recognised early on that this aircraft would transform the business jet industry, and the enormous success of Bombardier’s Global 7500 in transforming the private aviation industry.

“I would like to thank our teams in Montréal, Toronto and Wichita for designing, building and testing this amazing feat of technology. It’s thanks to their talent and dedication that this aircraft has raised the bar for excellence in this sector.”

The news follows the recent announcement that VistaJet’s parent company Vista Global Holdings has acquired private aviation services platform Jet Edge. The company is an integrated charter, management and brokerage platform and a leading US provider of large cabin and super-midsize private jet charter and aircraft management services. It is reportedly the fastest-growing charter operator in North America.

Vista said the acquisition “significantly scales up” its presence in the US – its fastest growing region – with Jet Edge Reserve Members and Aircraft Owners benefitting from Vista’s broader global fleet and platform.

Jet Edge chief executive Bill Papariella will join Vista’s executive team as chief business officer and the company’s management team will remain in place.

The transaction is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2022 and is expected to bring Vista’s fleet to approximately 350 aircraft.

Vista, which has successfully integrated Red Wing Aviation, Apollo Jets and Talon Air into its portfolio, also recently acquired German charter airline Air Hamburg.