HONG KONG, Nov 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VistaJet, the first and only global business aviation company, received top honors at the Asian Business Aviation Association’s Icons of Aviation Awards 2018. As well as being named the Most Innovative Company, VistaJet also earned the title of best operator for the third consecutive year. Presented by the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), the awards represent the votes of 150 of its members, including business aviation operators, brokers, corporations, and peers in the aviation industry from across Asia.

The best operator award recognizes VistaJet’s industry-first achievements and exceptional operational standards. With over 70 consistently branded super-mid and long-range aircraft, VistaJet has flown to 1,600 airports in 187 countries, or 96% of the world. In the first half of 2018, VistaJet’s passenger count increased by 18% and flight hours rose by 23% compared to the previous year in Asia. As an indication of the rapid growth in the region in the past year, these figures rose to 37% and 33% respectively by the third quarter.

Always pioneering new industry initiatives, in 2018 VistaJet launched The Jet Traveler Report, the first customer-centric analysis on the private aviation industry. VistaJet also oversaw a number of major global initiatives this year, including the partnership with British Polo Day for their 2018 worldwide tournament, and the global tour of The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller. The sale conducted by Christie’s totaled over $832 million - the most significant auction in history, entirely dedicated to raising funds for philanthropic causes.

The Most Innovative Company Award recognizes creativity and innovation in the business aviation industry. In 2018 the company launched the most extensive children’s private travel program, Adventures in the Sky. Created for passengers aged one to 16, the program turns cabins into playrooms and party venues. VistaJet has also taken the unprecedented step of training all of its Cabin Hostesses at Norland College, a prestigious childcare institute specializing in early education. Through a better knowledge of child development and behaviors, the crew can better understand family dynamics and recognize the specific needs of travelling families.

Leona Qi, VistaJet’s President of Asia & US said: “It’s truly an honor to receive recognition for VistaJet’s continual effort on delivering exceptional cabin services. With a team of over 1,000 aviation specialists of 50 nationalities, every single flight is performed smoothly and to the highest safety standards, anytime, anywhere around the globe. Innovation is at the core of VistaJet’s values; by thinking ahead of customer requests, we are committed to creating enriching experiences through creative strategies and initiatives.”

“AsBAA added the Innovation Award in 2018 to recognize and encourage technological advancements and creative “out of the box” thinking in our industry. VistaJet has achieved exactly that with its new children’s services. The entertainment, catering and Alice in Wonderland themed package for children is inspired. The presentation of the concept was cleverly executed in the video and we are delighted to present the first ever Most Innovative Company Award to its very deserved winner, VistaJet.  We hope that more member companies will be inspired by VistaJet’s example going forward.  We also recognize VistaJet for winning the Best AOC Charter Operator Award, as voted for by AsBAA members. Congratulations to the team at VistaJet,” said Jenny Lau, AsBAA Chairperson.

In 2017, VistaJet received the biggest equity valuation ever for a private aviation company, exceeding US$2.5 billion, solidifying the company as one of Europe’s top five – and Malta’s first – Unicorn. With its strong financial standing and ongoing support from its members, VistaJet continues to expand its business through a broad network of partnerships across Asia and beyond.

Media Contacts:

Amy Yang | VistaJet | T: +852 2901 0502| amy.yang@vistajet.com
Angela Wong | CatchOn | T : +852 2807 0600 | angela.wong@catchonco.com

About VistaJet

VistaJet is the first and only global aviation company. On its fleet of over 70 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. Founded in 2004 by Thomas Flohr, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet’s signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere. Customers can also request Direct one-off flights through the industry’s first end-to-end booking app or a 24/7 global team.  

More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3334e32d-979b-4852-a315-7f302d51b223
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d2b61fd6-15c4-4ad4-9942-1c7f097001a6

Source : VistaJet Ltd

--BERNAMA