XOJET Aviation relocates to South Florida

The charter operator was part of last year’s purchase of XOJET Aviation by Dubai-based Vista Global Holdings

XOJET Aviation, which operates the former XOJET fleet of over 40 super-midsize jets is moving to South Florida. It had been based in Northern California since its inception in 2006.

Its move marks the second significant private jet operator to leave the state following JetSuite’s relocation to Dallas from Orange County in 2018.

Vista Global executives had already signaled the move, saying that an East Coast U.S. location-enabled better communications with Vista Global’s European offices.

XOJET Aviation operates a floating fleet, meaning the aircraft don’t return to a home base between or after missions. Therefore, it’s not clear how much if any flights to the new headquarters will be involved.

Dividing up XOJET

XOJET Aviation was spun out when Vista Global Holdings purchased XOJET in 2018. While it acquired the brand as well as the sales and marketing infrastructure, XOJET Aviation became a separate entity to comply with foreign ownership restrictions.

Since that time XOJET’s sales arm was merged with the also acquired JetSmarter to form XO.

According to a breaking news report yesterday in the South Florida Business Journal, XOJET Aviation will bring over 150 jobs.

It said private jet charter company subleased 25,775 square feet on the top floor of Cypress Executive Center, at 1901 W. Cypress Creek.

The building is near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, one of the busiest private jet airports in Florida.

The announcement was based on statements from the real estate agents involved in the transaction. No date was set for move-in.

Kevin Thomas who joined XOJET Aviation last July is president and chief operating officer. Previously he was a senior vice president with Jet Support Services, Inc.

Separately, Vista Global Holdings has moved longtime U.S. president Ron Silverman to lead XO as chief commercial officers based in New York.

XO and XOJET expansion plans

During NBAA in October chairman Thomas Flohr launched a series of quality tiers for its on-demand charter. He also affirmed plans to expand the XO brand into Europe.

It’s unsure what XOJet Aviation’s role in that international growth will be, however, a PR pitch from the operator teased, “What’s on the horizon: upcoming expansion into the Latin American and European markets in 2020.”