Vista Global Holding (Vista) has provided a market update and overview into its performance for the first half of 2021, which includes its VistaJet and XO brands.

2021 has started well, with sales of the group's subscription products at all-time highs during the first half of the year. VistaJet sold over 8,000 new annual subscription hours, an increase of 67 per cent on 2020 figures and a 41 per cent rise over 2019 levels. XO deposit members were up 82 per cent, with three times as many sales in the period compared with 2020.

The group's on demand services also performed strongly during the period, with a year-on-year growth of 67 per cent across all markets and 55 per cent up on 2019.

Vista is the world's largest on demand charter provider by hours flown, and the group has seen an increase year-on-year of 67 per cent in global flight hours across its operating companies. This trend accelerated in the second quarter of 2021 as the company registered a surge in demand over and above pre-pandemic flying.

Regionally, the Middle East saw an increase of 153 per cent in flight hours, with North America and Europe registering 76 per cent and 41 per cent respectively. As the market remained open for domestic flying, business travel rebounding and international flying resuming in June, North America continues to account for the majority of total group departures at 71 per cent.

Founder and chairman Thomas Flohr says: “It has been an exceptional start to 2021 for Vista, and we are making groundbreaking progress in all corners of the world in enhancing our position as the global pioneer within the business aviation industry. Vista has seen a record first half of the year across all metrics and is seeing huge demand for our subscription and on demand based offerings. The surge in demand demonstrates how private aviation is the critical mobility solution, as sudden local restrictions continue to cause uncertainty for commercial fliers.”

Vista continued to focus on the growth and expansion of the business. The group has made progress with the integration of Red Wing Aviation, Apollo Jets and Talon Air into its portfolio. This resulted in the further expansion of the group's footprint in North America, additionally enabling to serve Vista clients with aircraft in the light jet category and management services.

The group has also accelerated the growth of its global fleet, with already four Global 7500s now available globally for service under the VistaJet brand. This is a game-changing moment as Vista offers the largest, most technologically advanced and longest-range business jet ever for its members. In addition, XO added 15 new aircraft in the first half of 2021.

Through 2021, the group is upgrading its interiors across both VistaJet and XO aircraft to further enhance client experience on board. These developments include the installation of greater in-flight connectivity and technology. Vista now offers its fast-growing membership base the opportunity to access its worldwide flying solutions first-hand through its owned global fleet of over 180 aircraft plus a network of over 2,100 alliance jets.

Flohr continues: “The flexibility of the group's fleet and its global footprint has allowed Vista to take full advantage of the strong resurgence in global demand from new and existing members worldwide. Our trusted brands, coupled with the acceleration of our proprietary technology, provide us with a significant advantage in the industry, creating superior client value and elevated end-to-end experience.

“The incredible dedication and commitment from our teams across the world has allowed us to capture and transform every single opportunity available to us. Our momentum is strong, and we are extremely confident about the future as we continue our global expansion in the second half of 2021 and beyond.”