Two key players in the fractional ownership, lease and jet card space VistaJet and Flexjet are both planning potentially significant expansion plans, according to aviation trade journal Aviation International News.
According to the publication, VistaJet is considering an order of up to 10 Bombardier Global Express 7500. During an interview with VistaJet and Vista Global COO Ian Moore at MEBAA 2018 in Dubai, several highlights included the potential addition of the new 7500s coming as early as the third quarter in 2019, plans to expand the XOJET brand globally, as well as plans to continue cabin refurbishments on its current fleet and eschew ordering replacement aircraft. The new model Global Express aircraft could come as part of its newly formed lease division in which it would manage the aircraft for owners. Vista Global Thomas Flohr also holds personal delivery slots for the plane, Moore said. He said VistaJet’s current fleet allows for up to 30% expansion before it runs out of capacity. You can read the full article here.
For Flexjet, Directional Aviation chairman Ken Ricci is focusing on Europe, according to AIN. He said Flexjet has seen 150% year-over-year growth in Europe and it recently acquired an EU based operator so it now holds AOCs in both the UK and Europe ahead of Brexit.
Ricci said Flexjet currently has six Nextant 400XTi light jets in Europe which will grow to 12 by early next year and its first of five Legacy 600s will come starting in January. He also said plans call for large-cabin jets and will launch a Europe access program early next year with an undisclosed new hire. You can read the full article here.