Vista Global Sees Record Increase in Demand for US Business Jet Flights in 3Q

Vista Global saw record-breaking demand for business jet flights in U.S. airspace during the third quarter of 2022—up 185% from the same period last year.

The parent company of Malta-based VistaJet, California-based XOJet and most recently Ohio-based Jet Edge published its third quarter results during the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). According to the results, flights on the Vista Members fleet occurring in U.S. airspace accounted for 64% of the Group’s total hours sold during the third quarter.

The quarter also included their highest number of new memberships in the U.S., with 70% of total hours sold attributable to new members. In September the company launched a new VJ25 membership program targeting a new membership offering the includes minimum commitment.

“The U.S. is an incredibly dynamic market, and we are seeing huge growth in the region as Members and new clients turn to Vista’s trusted brands and extensive global fleet for a superior end-to-end flying experience,” Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of Vista Global said in a statement. “To maintain our strong momentum, we will continue to invest in our expert team, provide greater accessibility and availability to all of our aircraft, and accelerate innovations across our flying solutions to ensure our Members are getting the very best value every time they choose to fly with Vista, anytime, anywhere around the globe.”

Vista Global’s fleet includes more than 360 business jets, including the Global 7500, Global 5000, G450, Challenger 605, Challenger 350, Citation X/XLS jets, among others. In 2019, Vista invested in an agreement that equipped its global fleet with LuxStream Ku-band connectivity.

With the acquisitions of Jet Edge and Air Hamburg earlier this year, the company has completed seven acquisitions since September 2018, according to a recent Forbes interview with Flohr.

Growth in U.S.-based business jet flying for Vista reflects an ongoing trend that has been consistent since the second half of 2020—primarily within U.S. and European airspace—increased demand for private jet charter transportation. New York-based operator Wheels in August reported a 49% year-over-year increase in revenue for its second quarter earnings.

The latest weekly global business aviation activity report from WINGX this week notes that “business aviation activity is still well ahead of pre pandemic, despite the weakening economy.”