VistaJet

In 2003, Flohr bought an aircraft for his own use. He was able to buy this and subsequent aircraft at discounted rates, as sales for private jets had severely weakened post-9/11, a development which Flohr has since attributed as key to the subsequent growth of the business, along with expansion in Eastern European markets and a favorable dollar/euro exchange rate.[9][10]

In 2004, Flohr placed his plane with a small local operator. It was chartered out within two months, making it self-financing. This prompted him to buy a second, bigger plane, which was flying 100 hours per month within three months of purchase.

Flohr's interest in private aviation led him to commission a financial analysis of the industry. This study suggested a single global brand was absent and also indicated that many private jets for hire were owner-operated, available for hire only when not in use by the owner. To offer "not-subject-to-owner-availability" flights, Flohr departed from the aviation industry norm of home bases, where privately owned charter planes must return to a fixed location to be at their owner's disposal. By dispensing with home bases, a jet could pick up a client from whichever airport was closest to the client's location.[10]

Flohr formally launched a three-plane fleet in 2005, with flights across the European Union and CIS region.

In 2008, the firm acquired Bombardier Skyjet International, effectively assuming control of the aircraft manufacturer's executive aircraft charter program, at the same time placing a US$1.2 billion order for 35 Bombardier business jets. It was reported to be Bombardier Business Aircraft's largest-ever single order.[11] The deal included taking over Skyjet's bases at Farnborough, Dubai International and Hong Kong International airports, and made VistaJet the second-largest private jet company outside America.[12] During this period, the firm entered private aviation markets in Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East[13] It also re-designed its marketing and aircraft cabins to position itself as a branded luxury good.[14] By 2009, the firm was operating a fleet of 23 jets.[15]

In 2012, VistaJet ordered 142 Bombardier Global 5000, 6000, 7000, and 8000 aircraft, potentially to a value of $7.8 billion. In 2013, VistaJet placed a further order for 20 Bombardier Challenger aircraft, with options for another 20, in a deal worth around $518 million.[16]

The firm expanded its service to America in 2013 via a partnership with Jet Aviation Flight Services, which initially operated a fleet of Bombardier Global aircraft on VistaJet's behalf. The move saw VistaJet targeting former and current fractional ownership customers in the US, as well as full aircraft owners.[17]

By 2014, VistaJet had flown over 150,000 passengers and opened a representative office in New York.[2] In 2015, VistaJet expanded the US fleet available to customers to include the Challenger 350 aircraft, then operated by Priester Aviation. In the same year, it sold its remaining LearJet 60, ending the company's association with light jets, and began to exclusively operate Bombardier Challenger and Global aircraft.[18] VistaJet was the first international operator permitted to offer domestic flights in China.[19] In the same year, the company co-published a book with Assouline, titled The Art of Flying.[20]

In March 2016, VistaJet moved its corporate headquarters to Malta and took delivery of its 50th Maltese registered aircraft.[21] The company announced adding its 70th aircraft to the fleet in October 2016. The fleet in 2023 was 77 aircraft.[22]

Cabin of a VistaJet Challenger 850

In 2017, the firm expanded its US-based fleet by 50%.[23] In March 2017, the company completed its 100,000th flight. In May, VistaJet abolished positioning fees.[24]

In August 2017, VistaJet announced a $150m investment by funds affiliated to Rhône Capital. Together with secondary acquisitions, Rhône would have a $200 million stake in VistaJet, valuing VistaJet at more than $2.5 billion. The company is one of the top five European startups by funding.[25]

In November 2017, VistaJet announced a worldwide partnership with Christie's to sponsor the exhibition and tour of The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller, dedicated to raising funds for philanthropic causes. The tour took highlights of the Rockefellers' collection to Hong Kong, London, Paris, Beijing, Los Angeles and Shanghai, ending in New York with the auction.[26]

In September 2018, Vista Global, the holding company of VistaJet, announced it had acquired the fleet and commercial operations of the US-based charter operator and broker XOJET.[27]

In April 2019, Vista Global announced it had purchased JetSmarter, a digital broker with a membership program enabling customers to book single seats on private jet flights.[28] XOJET Aviation LLC will be the operator for VistaJet US Inc registered aircraft.[29]

During the 2019-2020 COVID-19 pandemic, VistaJet offered complimentary empty leg flights for governments and medical transportation.[30] It also took delivery of its first Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft. In 2021, the firm added a further four 7500s and sold more than 8,000 new annual subscription hours, up 67% year-on-year. It also acquired light jets and aircraft management services, through its purchase of Red Wing Aviation, Apollo Jet and Talon Air.[31]

In March 2022, VistaJet added its 10th Global 7500 to the fleet, making it the largest operator of the Global 7500 aircraft in the world.[32]

By the end of 2022 VistaJet's fleet of Global 7500 had grown to 18 aircraft.[33]

Vista Global Holding (Vista) announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire AIR HAMBURG's operating platform and maintenance services. Founded in 2006, AIR HAMBURG has become one of the most well-established full-service private aviation companies, flying to over 1,000 destinations in Europe alone.[34]