Luxury business jet operator VistaJet says it is adapting its business model on the back of the coronavirus outbreak, to ensure that those with “critical travel requirements are able to keep moving during this time of uncertainty”.
The all-Bombardier operator has also introduced a new short-term aircraft leasing programme for its charter customers, as the pandemic triggers demand for more flexible and cost-efficient access to its 70-strong fleet.
Malta-headquartered VistaJet says as the world ”works to respond to the evolving situation” on Covid-19, the operator will identify “new ways to be of help through its global network and infrastructure”.
The company is working directly with governments and consulates worldwide to help repatriate citizens by providing complimentary empty-leg flights on its fleet of Challenger 350s, 605s, 850s, Global 5000s and 6000s.
“To further ensure that officials are able to keep their response plans as prompt as possible, the company is assisting with the complex logistics of the necessary permits and paperwork,” it says.
VistaJet is also in talks with medical organisations, health experts and regulators worldwide to transport key medical supplies, and says it will offer its empty legs for free “to transport medical experts to necessary locations as they help to fight the global pandemic”.
Thomas Flohr, VistaJet’s founder and chairman, says everyone at the company “continues to assess how we can better serve our customers and the greater global community during these difficult times”.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Flohr says the aviation industry must “work together where possible to do whatever we can to help”.
VistaJet does not typically offer repatriation flights or the transportation of medical equipment, he adds “but ultimately we are a logistics company, and we are here to help the global community as much as we can. We are in this fight together”.
Heightened market insecurity has also prompted VistaJet’s established charter customers “to evaluate alternative options to meet their flying needs”.
After “listening to their concerns”, VistaJet has introduced a short-term aircraft lease over one, two or three months, which provides a dedicated aircraft and crew positioned at the nearest possible airport to the customer.
Called the Dynamic Jet Lease, VistaJet says the programme offers the “highest flexibility whenever needed…. releases customers’ core business resources, and ensures peace of mind during a constantly-changing global landscape”.
