VistaJet has added to its $2 billion aircraft order backlog by signing up for a Global 5000 and two Challenger 850 aircraft. It now expects to have more than 60 aircraft in operation by 2015, double the current inventory.

The company is also upgrading its fleet by taking delivery of up to six new Learjet 60XR aircraft by year end, maintaining its commitment to an average fleet age at less than two years with no single aircraft being more than three years old. 

Thomas Flohr, founder and chairman of VistaJet, says: "This latest order is in response to rapidly growing customer demand in the BRINC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, Nigeria and China) and other fast-growth developing markets in which we operate. These markets currently account for over 75% of all our flights.

"At the same time, the geographic reach of our business customers places demanding requirements on our fleet with sectors typically of between five to ten hours duration."

The latest orders were announced just one month after the delivery of three new Challenger 605 aircraft, following the company's strategic decision to focus on mid-to-large, longer range aircraft.

Further deliveries of additional aircraft are scheduled to begin at the end of this year. These include 10 new Global 6000 and 10 Global 8000 aircraft that will significantly increase VistaJet's ultra long-haul capability.

Commenting further, Flohr says: "No one else in the private business aviation sector is taking delivery of brand new aircraft at the rate we are, nor is anyone more committed to maintaining the youngest fleet in the skies. It is a bold step and another example of our commitment to providing a unique customer experience."

VistaJet is headquartered in Switzerland and has operations centres in London, Salzburg, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. It offers customers a 'Program' solution with guaranteed availability at a fixed hourly rate as well as on-demand charter.

Designer uniforms set the tone

Creative director Nina Flohr with flight crew in VistaJet's new uniforms, created by Italian fashion designer Giancarlo Petriglia. The uniforms had to be stylish, while also remaining durable and comfortable enough to withstand long work hours in the air.

Petriglia was particularly inspired by the 1960's jet age and the uniforms are intended to be reminiscent of the understated elegance of the flight attendant and pilot uniforms of the era. In contrast, Petriglia took inspiration from the very modern style icon Carla Bruni for the sophisticated flight attendant hats.

The designs incorporate the pervasive red detailing, ubiquitous on VistaJet's fleet of aircraft. "I have greatly enjoyed working closely with Nina to create such beautiful uniforms for the VistaJet flight crew," Petriglia says. "Nina's wonderful spirit, innate class, and modernity are reflective of my designs."