The order is comprised of four Global Express XRS aircraft and two large-cabin Challenger 605 aircraft for delivery across 2011 and 2012.

The order, which places a greater emphasis on large, longer-range aircraft, will significantly increase VistaJet’s long-haul capability at a time when the company is successfully winning new customers, both PROGRAM and On-Demand, in markets such as the Middle East, West Africa and Russia / CIS who typically fly sectors of over six to- eight hours.

Additionally, the order will also facilitate VistaJet’s strict policy of maintaining a young fleet age profile, with an average age of less than two years and with no one individual aircraft being more than three years old.

Once all aircraft are delivered, the new order will see an increase in the fleet size to in excess of thirty aircraft.

Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of VistaJet, said: “Having demonstrated its resilience during the recent global economic downturn by increasing revenues, VistaJet is now enjoying increasing demand across all its service areas and these larger, long-range new aircraft will play a key role in our ongoing success. For our customers, the Bombardier fleet provides the ‘aircraft of choice’ whether flying medium or long haul and in a level of comfort that they demand from us.”

Steve Ridolfi, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft, said: “This significant order is great news for both our companies. In particular, it is further evidence of VistaJet’s confidence in Bombardier aircraft, offering the advantages of fleet commonality and Bombardier Aerospace’s strong commitment to customer support.

“We are confident the new aircraft will provide VistaJet with the ability to continue to offer the exceptional quality and customer service it is known for as it continues its expansion.”

via Arabian Aerospace – VistaJet confirm $277 million order for six Bombardier aircraft.

It is driving its expansion in the region through a new partnership with West African-based businessman Kola Aluko, a long-term customer of VistaJet who has also been appointed to VistaJet’s Advisory Board, formed in January 2010 and chaired by Rob Hersov.

To date, in excess of 1,200 hours have been signed up with a number of customers from different industries and this is expected to continue to grow throughout 2010 and beyond.

Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of VistaJet, said: “Until nine months ago, West Africa was not a service area for us. From a standing start we have built a major presence in the region and believe it has the potential to become one of VistaJet’s biggest markets. We are delighted to be working in close co-operation with Kola Aluko, who has unparalleled knowledge of the region. This will enable us to realize the major potential we see there, particularly among business leaders and entrepreneurs in the energy and government sectors who fly frequently within West Africa and between West Africa and Europe.”

via Arabian Aerospace – EBACE: VistaJet expands into West Africa.

Flexjet fractional owners and Jet Solutions’ Flexjet 25 Jet Card owners flying internationally are guaranteed access across Europe and travel on an as available basis throughout the Middle East and Asia on VistaJet’s wholly-owned fleet of Bombardier aircraft. Similarly, VistaJet customers flying within the United States will also have the opportunity to travel on the Flexjet 25 closed fleet of Bombardier aircraft, operated by Jet Solutions.

“We are committed to continually enhancing our owners’ experience while adding real value,” said Bob Knebel, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Flexjet. “This agreement with VistaJet ensures the delivery of consistent, high-quality travel on legendary Bombardier aircraft at preferred membership rates.”

Flexjet is a division of Bombardier, the world’s largest manufacturer of business aircraft, making it ideal to collaborate with VistaJet, the largest international operator of Bombardier aircraft.

Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of VistaJet, said: “This move is a logical step for us and is another milestone in the global development and progression of VistaJet. This alliance with Flexjet and Jet Solutions will extend our network into the US, offering our customers access to the best private jet service in America. In return, Flexjet and Jet Solutions customers will have access to one of the largest service areas in the industry and use of the premier provider of luxury air travel outside of the Americas.”

via Welcome to Eva International – www.evaint.com – Eva International – www.evaint.com.

Before moving into the aviation sector, Robert Hersov, whose family established one of South Africa’s biggest industrial and mining empires, had careers in media and investment banking. He worked directly with Rupert Murdoch at News Corporation, in New York and with Johann Rupert as an Executive Director at Richemont.

The VistaJet Advisory Board will be comprised of members drawn from a broad spectrum of interests and across the geographies where VistaJet both currently operates and is seeking to expand. The VistaJet Advisory Board will work directly with Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of VistaJet, advising on strategies for developing and expanding VistaJet’s operations in key operating territories including Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of VistaJet, commented: “I am delighted that Rob is joining us at VistaJet. His immense knowledge of our industry, combined with his extensive personal and business connections, make him the ideal person to lead and drive the formation of our Advisory Board.”

Robert Hersov commented: “I am very excited to be joining VistaJet. In a very short time VistaJet has redefined the luxury private aviation market.”

via Welcome to Eva International – www.evaint.com – Eva International – www.evaint.com.