VistaJet Places Firm Order For 56 New Bombardier Global Jets, with Options for 86 More

In what is being called the largest single transaction in the history of business aviation, luxury transportation company VistaJet has placed a firm order for 56 new Bombardier Global aircraft, with 86 further options. The deal has a value of more than $7.8 billion at list prices. First deliveries of this order are expected in 2014.

“By any standard, this is an historic order for Bombardier," said Steve Ridolfi, President of Bombardier Business Aircraft. "It goes without saying that we are thrilled VistaJet has again chosen to grow their fleet with the ... Bombardier Global family. We welcome VistaJet’s ongoing commitment to global coverage within existing and developing new markets. The Bombardier Global aircraft are perfect for VistaJet’s business strategy as it is the ultimate business jet family, ideally suited to meet the demanding needs of both jet owner and customer alike.”

The new Global aircraft order – comprising of 25 Global 5000, 25 Global 6000, and 6 Global 8000 aircraft, with options for a further 40 Global 5000, 40 Global 6000 and 6 Global 8000 jets – is a continuation of the company’s strategic decision to fast-track the growth of the fleet, focusing on wide-cabin, long-range aircraft to provide non-stop point-to-point global coverage. The new aircraft will directly service growth markets (including Russia, China, all of the Middle East and all of Africa), connecting them to the rest of the globe, as well as serving the East and West coast United States for their intercontinental travel needs.

“This order is the most significant milestone for VistaJet and is a testimony to our successful strategy that focuses on global coverage," said Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of VistaJet. "Earlier in the year we announced landmark agreements with partners in both China and Russia and, since then, the level of demand we have seen in growth markets around the globe has been unprecedented. Our customers need to fly point-to-point across the globe, and in many instances at short notice. Whether it’s a direct flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai, from London to Luanda or from Kinshasa to Ulan Bator, we are seamlessly connecting our customers to every corner of the world in unrivalled levels of style and safety."

“Such customer success allows us to place this historic order and will enable us to base even more brand new aircraft in these dynamic growth markets. I am excited to serve these markets with an unparalleled product both locally and globally.”

In the air, VistaJet has been growing what is already one of the largest business aviation flight crew rosters worldwide to ensure that it has flight crew availability 24/7 anywhere in the world. On the ground, VistaJet has doubled its dedicated sales force across these emerging markets to establish further presence and support for existing and new customers. These additions to our world-class sales team will be introduced during the course of Q1 2013.

(Bombardier photos: Top Global 6000, Bottom Global 5000)

FMI: www.vistajet.com, www.bombardier.com