VistaJet has taken delivery of two Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft, the first of up to 12 of the type due to join its fleet over the next two years. The company also announced it has ordered 10 new super-midsize Bombardier Challenger 350s, most of which are expected to arrive through 2022.
VistaJet noted that the Challenger 350 order came on the back of “growing and urgent” demand from corporates and executives interested in the super-midsize segment. VistaJet has seen a surge of nearly 50% in corporate interest globally since July 2020, and said its super-midsize range was driving the higher demand with new and existing customers.
The Challenger 350 and Global 7500 additions will bring VistaJet’s global fleet to more than 90 aircraft, providing access to 187 countries, with regional flying in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, including domestic flights within India.
The company’s plans for 2021 also include completing the upgrade of its entire Challenger 850 fleet, with cabin enhancements including the installation of Ku-band inflight connectivity. All its Challenger 605 aircraft will be equipped with Ku-band connectivity and upgraded interiors by the end of 2021, with the Challenger 350 aircraft following suit by the end of 2022. Additionally, 95% of VistaJet’s Global 6000 aircraft will be upgraded with Ku-band technology and the elevated interior during 2021.
The company said the latest announcements come off the back of continued demand for its asset-free solutions, including the Corporate Membership launched in October 2020. The first quarter of 2021 marked a consecutive quarter in growth in hours sold, up 23% year-over-year, with new programme members up 90%.
“It is an incredibly exciting time as VistaJet transforms the architecture of how companies and individuals fly,” said Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman, VistaJet. “We continue to see rapid acceleration in new members, which is driven by corporate and executive demand for our business mobility offerings. Global private aviation networks will be even more vital to support businesses and the economy. The expansion of our worldwide fleet will guarantee our customers full confidence in a consistent flying experience anywhere in the world – offering the best value in the industry through our unique asset-light flight solutions. We remain committed to providing critical support to businesses in this new world – we kept our business steady during 2020 and we are seeing much increased demand for VistaJet’s asset-free solutions in 2021 and beyond.”
“We are extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with VistaJet and are thrilled that they have again chosen Bombardier aircraft to support their fleet expansion plans,” said Éric Martel, president and CEO, Bombardier. “With unmatched performance and comfort, the Global 7500 and Challenger 350 are the perfect aircraft to support VistaJet’s rapid growth as more people turn to business aviation and the enhanced safety and reliability it provides.”
