VistaJet has joined the growing list of business aviation operators in the Nigerian market, offering luxury, convenient and world-class services.The global business aviation company brings on board its two decades of experience and fleet capacity to offer the rich and classy Nigerians services that are next to owning a private jet.
President of VistaJet, Europe & Africa, Philippe Scalabrini, at the roadshow static display held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos recently, said the Nigerian market is a valuable addition to their footprints in Africa and beyond, crisscrossing 2,400 airports across 207 countries and territories.
Scalabrini, who announced the commencement of operations in Nigeria, said the decision to expand services into Nigeria comes after three years of meticulous planning and development.
He added that the company’s charter service would cater to the growing demand for private aviation services in the region and would be deploying three Challenger 605 aircraft in the region, offering short and long-range flights to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
VistaJet’s entry is not unconnected with the prospects of the Nigerian and African air travel market. In Nigeria, aviation yearly contributes over $600 million to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creating more than 241,000 jobs. The aviation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades.
By 2038, global air transport is forecast to support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion to the global economy. Similarly, $2.5 trillion in total investable wealth is currently held in the African continent, and its millionaire population is set to rise by 65 per cent over the next 10 years.
Scalabrini said: “VistaJet provides great value to clients in West Africa and is the perfect flying solution for West African corporates and businesses as a hassle-free and timesaving tool to connect world decision-makers domestically and across continents, boosting economies and driving global investments.
“Now, with three dedicated aircraft in the region, VistaJet aims to accelerate its trajectory as a key partner for the region’s economic development. The business aviation sector will play a crucial role in this growth, as in other regional economic transformations. VistaJet is pleased to be able to support Africa’s economic development,” he said.
The renowned operator has experienced strong momentum at the start of 2024 (Q1 2024 vs Q1 2023) in Africa, with a 69 per cent increase in Global 7500 flight hours and a 91 per cent increase in Programme Members over the last 12 months.
“In West Africa specifically, VistaJet has seen a 58 per cent increase in total flight hours. More clients are globally recognising that VistaJet provides the best value and end-to-end experience, and its expanded team of over 4,400 experts is fully committed to developing the next era of innovative flying solutions across the globe,” Scalabrini said.
On the Vista Members’ fleet of over 300 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments, and private clients to 2,400 airports and 207 countries and territories, covering 96 per cent of the world.
Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers can access an entire fleet while paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership.
