September 9, 2024
Vista Global is shedding its light jet fleet operated by Red Wing and XOJet Citation X super midsize aircraft.
XO and VistaJet parent Vista Global is selling around 40 private jets from its Vista America unit. The aircraft had been flying under its XOJet and Red Wing Aero certificates.
A spokesperson confirmed that its Cessna Citation Ultras, operated under the Red Wing certificate, and Citation Xs, operated by XOJet Aviation, “will be sold and exit Vista America.”
Pilots were first told that the fleets would be grounded late last week.
According to Amstat, Vista America was operating 18 Citation Ultra light jets and 23 Citation Xs as of last month.
Vista America operators ended the first six months of 2024 as the third-largest North American fractional/charter operator.
The unit was formed last October as an umbrella for Jet Select and Western Air Charter (via its 2022 Jet Edge acquisition), XOJet Aviation (acquired in 2018), and Red Wing Aviation (purchased in 2020).
The Argus data showed Vista’s activity increased by 10.3%.
Overall, Part 135 activity was down 5.2% in H1 2024.
Private Jet Card Comparisons exclusively reported the likelihood that Vista wanted to shed the super-midsize jets in January.
A spokesperson for Vista Global tells Private Jet Card Comparisons, “As you know, we are committed to providing access to a high-quality fleet, and therefore, some of the legacy aircraft models in North America, specifically the Citation Ultra and Citation X, will be sold and exit Vista America.”
Last year, Vista refurbished 93 aircraft, including jets acquired via Jet Edge and Air Hamburg.
He added, “This decision aligns with our long-term goal of offering a fleet that suits our VistaJet Program clients with guaranteed availability and our XO Members who are looking for flexibility on aircraft types. With this focus, we will streamline the fleet and focus on the core Vista America fleet of Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft while offering midsize options like the Citation XLS and access to lighter aircraft through the safety-vetted alliance fleet. The resulting simplified fleet structure will bring improved operational efficiencies, which will ultimately benefit clients’ experience.”
The spokesperson said the impacted pilots will be reassigned to existing roles across the Vista Members’ fleet.
In a written statement, Ian Moore, Vista’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “This decision is aligned with our long-term goal of streamlining the fleet and focusing on the core Vista America branded Bombardier and Gulfstream aircraft. By simplifying the overall fleet, we will be able to focus on our clients’ preferences and our business model. We will continue to offer shorter journey capabilities through the safety-vetted alliance fleet. The new structure will bring improved operational efficiencies, which will ultimately benefit clients’ experience.”
Vista declined to specify who was buying the airplanes – and what plans the new owner has.
Several sources said there are two buyers.
However, others said some of the older tails, with over 20,000 hours, could be sold for parts.
Earlier this year Vista was said to be shopping the Citation Xs to an operator that had planned to use the aircraft for a preowned fractional program.
That deal was said to have included a guaranteed revenue program that would have provided XO access to the aircraft.
Experts say it is not unusual for aircraft to be grounded before a sale.
Each flight brings an airframe closer to required maintenance based on cycles and flight hours.
One source said Vista was seeking in the mid $2 million range for the Citation Xs.
VistaJet’s Program jet card starts at the Challenger 300 and includes large cabin Gulfstream and Bombardier jets.
The super-midsize Challengers feature a stand-up cabin.
XO offers jet cards billed as XO Membership and XO Reserve.
It switched to exclusively dynamic pricing in 2022.
XO, Wheels Up, and FlyExclusive have been price leaders in the transcon super-midsize market using their Citation X fleets.
However, Wheels Up recently eliminated its long-flight rate caps.
As of today, it was selling one-way flights on select transcon routes in August at under $30,000 each way.
The XO website also offers instant booking.
As of today, it was selling Citation X flights between New York and Los Angeles in the mid-$30,000 range in October.
In March, FlyExclusive said it was selling its large cabin Gulfstreams and replacing them with super-midsize Challenger 350s.
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