March 19, 2025
Access to its Global 7500 fleet and move from full ownership is boosting Vista Global in Asia as it closes on $1.3 billion in new funding.
The trend away from full private jet ownership, combined with access to VistaJet’s ultra-long-range fleet of Bombardier Global 7500s, is helping drive Vista Global sales in Asia.
Speaking to Bloomberg TV yesterday in Hong Kong, Vista Global Founder and Chairman Thomas Flohr told the hosts, “Asia was a bright spot for the company.”
Flohr’s appearance came ahead of today’s news that the company has closed on $1.3 billion in financing in two transactions.
Previous reporting only noted one transaction valued at $600 million.
A Vista Global spokesperson confirms the previously announced definitive agreement for a $600 million preferred equity raise has closed.
Singapore-based RRJ led the investment.
Per the company:
‘In the first quarter of 2025, Vista Global Holding Limited successfully closed the Preferred Equity and Term Loan B transactions totaling $1.3 billion. These transactions will significantly strengthen the balance sheet, reduce near-term obligations, accelerate deleveraging, and enhance free cash flow generation.
Equity Investment
On March 28, 2025, Vista closed its equity investment of $600 million. As previously disclosed, this investment was led by RRJ Capital with proceeds being used to repay existing secured debt.
Term Loan B
On March 26, 2025, Vista priced a new $700 million Senior Secured Term Loan B due 2031. Due to strong demand, the deal was successfully upsized and priced inside initial price talk at Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 3.75% per annum. Proceeds will be used to refinance existing secured debt. The transaction closed on April 1, 2025.’
Vista Global has grown to be the third-largest charter/fractional operator in the U.S.
Flohr said the world’s largest private jet market represents about 50% of the company’s business.
Flohr told Bloomberg that funds would be used to pay down debt after tripling in size since 2018.
News of a potential deal was first reported by 9fin last November.
The company also includes broker XO.
In the Bloomberg interview, Flohr noted in Asia, “The market was down three or four percent. We grew double-digit, 15 percent in the region last year.”
It was previously reported Vista Global’s overall revenues were up 7% through Q3 2024.
It also turned a small net profit after changing how it depreciates aircraft.
Adjusted EBITDA was up 7% to $600 million year-over-year on revenues of around $2.1 billion.
In Hong Kong, Flohr said the ability to offer its fleet of ultra-long-range Global 7500 has boosted interest in the region.
The ability to fly privately nonstop from Southeast Asia to the U.S. and Europe has increased demand.
Previously, those flights required a stop on its Global 6000 and Global 5000 fleet.
Flohr noted that members of its version of a jet card, the Program, only pay for occupied hours, so they don’t have to pay for repositioning flights.
Repositioning flights are factored into ad hoc charter quotes.
The Vista Global boss also said he plans to upgrade the Global 7500s to Global 8000s “eventually.”
Modifying its 7500 fleet would add up to 90 minutes of additional range.
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Flohr told Bloomberg VistaJet benefits from what he says is a move away from full private jet ownership.
According to Flohr, Chinese ownership of private jets is down 30% since 2017.
He told the audience, “The macro trend is to move away from aircraft ownership.”
He continued, “Think about all the publicly traded companies—it’s an efficient business tool. But do you really need to own this aircraft?”
He added, “With us, it’s an operating business expense instead of having an aircraft on the balance sheet.”
Program members are guaranteed access at contracted rates 365 days a year.
He said that with full ownership, airplanes typically are down for at least 60 days per year for scheduled maintenance and pilot training.
VistaJet cut peak days for Program members in half to just 10 days for 2025.
On peak days, there is a longer booking window and surcharge.
Otherwise, members can book and cancel flights with as little as 24 hours’ notice.
Flohr also pointed out companies that own private jets typically need supplemental lift.
That’s when the jet is unavailable, or executives must fly simultaneously or travel to different parts of the world.
VistaJet Program members can also interchange with its Challenger 350 fleet for regional flights in Europe and North America.
Flohr also noted the company has made it easy to join.
Several years ago, it streamlined its contracts to just five pages.
See the full interview on Bloomberg TV here.
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