VistaJet, the world’s premier global business aviation company, is embarking on an ambitious expansion in East and South Africa. The company is set to launch its first-ever East and South Africa Static Display Roadshow, featuring its flagship aircraft, the Bombardier Global 7500.
This strategic initiative will kick off in Nairobi, before moving on to South Africa’s key business hubs of Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The choice of these locations is no coincidence. As Nairobi has continued to establish itself as East Africa’s technology and business epicenter, Johannesburg and Cape Town represent the mature aviation market in South Africa.
The East and South Africa Roadshow, which follows the highly successful West African edition held earlier in May, aims to engage both prospective and existing clients, as well as local media, serving as a platform to showcase VistaJet’s ongoing expansion and commitment to supporting the region’s economic transformation as outlined in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
According to Philippe Scalabrini, VistaJet’s President of Europe and Africa, the company is committed to the African region. “Building on the momentum of the West Africa Roadshow, we are pleased to announce the East and South Africa Roadshow. VistaJet’s main expansion plan objective is to enhance Africa’s economic growth by increasing regional investments and facilitating overall growth,” he said.
The showcase aircraft, the Bombardier Global 7500, is the largest and longest-range business jet in the world, capable of flying up to 17 hours non-stop. This impressive aircraft offers unparalleled global connectivity, making it ideal for both business and family travel. The Global 7500’s popularity in Africa is evident, with flight hours increasing by 33% in the first half of 2024.
It has become a preferred choice for connecting African cities, such as Cape Town to Accra and Johannesburg to Cairo, as well as international routes between Africa and Asia.
The aircraft has played its part in the company’s growth trajectory. Over the last 18 months, while the private aviation industry experienced a leveling out in demand following the post-COVID boom, Vista expanded its global footprint.
As of July 2024, the company held approximately 5% of the total market. In the first half of 2024, Vista experienced exceptional growth, with total flight hours up 14% year-over-year, outperforming a global market that contracted by 2% over the same period.
VistaJet’s Program membership has been the primary driver of this growth, recording a 19% increase in Program hours and an 18% rise in the number of Members. The African continent remains a priority market for Vista, with impressive growth in the first half of 2024.
Africa reported strong flight activity with a 103% increase in New Program Hours Sold and a 29% increase in total hours flown year-over-year. East Africa specifically experienced a 46% increase in total hours flown, while South Africa saw a 79% increase.
The growth of private aviation in Africa is evident with the continent currently holding 418 jets. South Africa boasts the largest fleet, followed by Kenya and Nigeria. This growth has also had a positive impact on the economy. For instance, in terms of employment, air transport is contributing 7.7 million jobs and Sh8.13 trillion ($63 billion) in terms of the GDP.
According to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners, the total investable wealth on the African continent stands at Sh322.50 trillion ($2.5 trillion) and the millionaire population is expected to increase by 65% over the next ten years.
This is expected to be driven by strong growth in key sectors such as fintech, business process outsourcing, software development, rare metals mining, green tech, media and entertainment, and wealth management.
With over a decade of operations in Africa, VistaJet continues to play a vital role in supporting development in these sub-regions. The 20 year old company is poised to play an increasingly significant role in the region’s economic development, facilitating business connections and supporting the growth of various sectors across the continent.
