VistaJet Program memberships were up by 29% last year, the fastest growth in company history. Its jet card program starts at 50 hours per year, and with a fleet focused on large-cabin jets, customers typically spend over $500,000 per year. If that sounds impressive, sister provider XO reported memberships up 240% in 2020.
For VistaJet, Europe accounted for 43% of new members, North American members grew 25%, Asia was up18%, and the Middle East saw a10% gain. VistaJet’s on-demand charter bookings also grew 15% year-over-year.
XO, the brokerage unit formed via the acquisition of XOJET and JetSmarter, which recorded a 240% gain in membership, said the average deposit was $100,000. Flight hours set a new record as well, up 6% year-on-year.
Following XO’s launch of a light jet fleet in November 2020, increasing its dedicated aircraft by 30%, it saw a 39% rise in flights during December.
Thomas Flohr, Vista Global Founder and Chairman, said, “We are entering 2021 with optimism and grounded positivity following the unprecedented events of 2020. It is a pivotal and exciting time in our sector, and I am extremely aware of the critical, growing role private aviation will play as part of the global economy for years to come.
A survey of subscribers to Private Jet Card Comparisons found 96% of new flyers plan to continue to use private aviation post-COVID-19, with 41% saying they will become regular users.
Flohr added, “I am immensely proud that over the last 17 years, the Vista Global group was able to build a truly global infrastructure and the market-leading technology platform to serve our clients anywhere, anytime. The team has created the ultimate resilience in such an incredibly challenging year — our ability to adapt, change, discover, and offer new solutions to our clients is what makes us the best business aviation provider in the world.”
Last year, VistaJet offered both a new corporate membership program and wide-ranging luxury travel offerings via a host of travel partners.
In October 2020, VistaJet launched its Dynamic Corporate Membership, offering a full suite of flexible travel solutions for businesses and executives worldwide, starting with a 50-hour commitment.
Looking ahead, Flohr said XO would focus on global expansion to mature and future growth markets. It plans a series of new products, upgrades to its dedicated fleet, and dedicated shuttle routes across 2021.
Additionally, VistaJet is driving forward the sustainability agenda within the private aviation sector. It is partnering with SkyNRG, a global leader for sustainable aviation fuel — a new type of fuel capable of reducing a flight’s carbon emissions by up to 85%.
According to the press release, Vista Global continues to support governments and medical organizations fighting the very real challenges of COVID-19 around the world. Its Community Support program has made its entire global network, infrastructure and technology available to ensure safe passage worldwide for critical travel.
