Pent-up demand for business travel: VistaJet

VistaJet, the global business aviation company, has released The Future of Business Travel, a report on the essential role and value of travel in their professional lives.

Source: VistaJet. A VistaJet plane is ready for boarding.

During the pandemic, travel was limited for 90% of companies surveyed, and almost all (97%) said their businesses experienced a negative impact directly related to those restrictions. 

Nearly one-quarter (24%) indicated they had experienced "massive or substantial" disruptions across all eight areas measured, and 87% cited massive or substantial disruption in at least one area. More than a third (37%) said international business development and product launches took a hit due to a lack of an in-person presence.

As restrictions ease, built-up anticipation for business travel is clear, with 81% saying business travel will be more important than ever to driving success. Among respondents who take eight or more private flights a year, 60% plan to significantly increase in-person meetings.

VistaJet has seen a surge of 49% in corporate interest around the world since the start of the pandemic, confirming that flying private continues to be a key support for business travel. The main benefits of taking private flights for business travel are reported by those surveyed, in order, as flexibility, efficiency, safety and privacy. The two top priorities for trips are visiting partners and vendors and going to industry events, each at 34%. Managing current relationships and building new ones are also key drivers.

The return to business travel largely hangs on regulations — 46% of respondents are waiting for destinations to reopen; 42% want updated COVID-19 data and rules for destinations; 36% seek support in case COVID-19 regulations change during a trip; and the same number await relaxation of their own company’s travel policies.

Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer, VistaJet said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the world, including travel. It also showed that some business travel is truly essential and having to forgo in-person trips came at a real cost to companies. Additionally, it is hard to read a room when everyone is in individual windows on screen — misunderstandings can occur, especially across cultures, and these in turn can become costly mistakes.”

To further support businesses around the world connect and restart the economy in the midst of heightened market insecurity, VistaJet recently launched a new corporate membership, offering speed and maximum flexibility with payment in arrears, unlimited flying hours, guaranteed availability of additional aircraft, and streamlined travel logistics.

Details:

Read The Future of Business Travel report

Vistajet introduces Dynamic Corporate Membership

VistaJet, the global business aviation company, has launched its new Dynamic Corporate Membership for corporations, offering a full suite of flexible travel solutions for businesses and executives around the world.

Source: VistaJet. A VistaJet plane is ready for boarding.

The company said the COVID-19 pandemic is redefining the global aviation landscape. Corporations are rapidly changing their needs, requiring 24x7 accessibility and maximum flexibility in their travel requirements, as well as enhanced safety protocols:

- Corporates are increasingly flying entire teams to multiple locations around the world to ensure business continuity

- There has been a 49% surge in corporate interest globally since the start of the pandemic

- Over the same period, VistaJet recorded a rapid growth in demand for long-haul routes: the percentage of flights over 5 hours increased 44% year-on-year during the last 6 months and 11% of VistaJet flights have been over 8 hours long

The new Dynamic Corporate Membership offers:

- Speed and flexibility in business travel solutions

Membership sign-up is completed in one day, with options to pay after the service has been provided; unlimited flying hours; and guaranteed availability of additional aircraft. Members may request two aircraft at the same time and double-fly or have an aircraft on standby.

- Streamlined travel logistics

A dedicated VistaJet flight manager is based in the member’s own headquarters.

- Reduced COVID-19 exposure

A Cabin Hostess is dedicated to only fly the member’s trips.

- Access to 187 countries on VistaJet’s fleet of over 70 aircraft.

Regional flying in the Middle East and Asia, including domestic flights within India are supported.

- An integrated carbon reduction and carbon offset option

Fully-audited and environmentally-sustainable flying is supported.

Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer, VistaJet said, “The impact that COVID-19 is having on the availability of commercial flights is clear to see and business aviation is taking up the urgent demand to connect globally. With the Dynamic Corporate Membership, we want to offer companies maximum flexibility with minimum commitment, as we recognise the need for safer and more reliable solutions as companies look to build back their business for the future.”

VistaJet is a global business aviation company. It has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. The company pioneered a 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.

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and Vistajet offer Once in a Blue Moon experience

- Mid-Autumn Festival offer — bespoke Hong Kong flight experience with VistaJet and a curated in-flight menu by Executive Chinese Chef Wing-Keung Wong of Michelin-starred Man Wah at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

- Save up to US$5,000 on a future VistaJet flight

- Enjoy the Staycation by M.O. luxury suite package, VistaJet flight amenity gifts, a private culinary experience with Chef Wong and mooncakes at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. 

Source: Vistajet/Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. The living room of the Macau Suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

VistaJet, the first and only global business aviation company, announces a collaboration with Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong to launch a Once in a Blue Moon experience, inviting guests to dine with loved ones at 40,000 feet under the brightest moon of the year for an unforgettable Mid-Autumn Festival.

Available from September 15 to October 15 2020, the special offer includes a bespoke Hong Kong private jet experience where a gourmet menu will be served on board, curated by Executive Chinese Chef Wing-Keung Wong of Michelin-starred restaurant Man Wah at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Guests who book during this period will also save up to US$5,000 on a future VistaJet flight, valid until the end of the year*.

The exclusive in-flight menu highlights Chef Wong’s signature dishes, including his Wagyu beef Puffs with Black Pepper Sauce; Double-boiled Matsutake Mushroom with Fish Maw and Chicken broth; and Braised Fresh Crab Claw with Glass Vermicelli. The special menu is also available for lunch at The Krug Room, an exclusive private venue at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

In addition, the experience comes complete with a Staycation by M.O. suite package. It includes a stay in a luxury suite with a wide range of privileges, and an exclusive opportunity to have a private cooking class with Chef Wong. Guests will have access to recipes that date back to the Qing Dynasty from Wong, a third-generation chef.

“The experience is inspired by these extraordinary times that we are living in,” said Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer at VistaJet, who stressed that the airline is "here every step of the way" to ensure a seamless experience in the air and on the ground and that "safety, health and personalised moments are always our top priority.”

“We share the same service ethos by offering guests the finest experiences that define hospitality and travel, and we look forward to delivering moments of delight during this unprecedented period,” added Pierre Barthes, GM and Area VP, Operations of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

VistaJet is a global aviation company with a fleet of over 70 business jets. Customers have access to the entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. 

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is the epitome of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage. The hotel’s rooms and suites offer magnificent views of Victoria Harbour and the city’s skyline. It hosts eight restaurants and bars, including two with Michelin Star status, a Shanghainese-inspired holistic spa, an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. 

Details:

Book the Once in a Blue Moon experience

Chef Wong’s exclusive menu is available on flights departing Hong Kong between September 15 and October 15 2020. To experience the menu at The Krug Room within Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, please call +852 2522 0111 or email mohkg-restaurants@mohg.com.

A partial list of Once in a Blue Moon terms and conditions:

- The package must be reserved at least four days in advance.

- All travel is subject to applicable rules and regulations, including permits and permissions.

- The private cooking class with Chef Wong is subject to availability and costs HK$2,888 + 10% service charge per couple with a maximum of six people.

- Staycation by M.O. guests will receive a one-night stay in a City View Suite, take home VistaJet flight amenity gifts and mooncakes by Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. A higher suite category is an additional cost and subject to availability.

- Guests booking flights not included in the Once in a Blue Moon package can still save up to US$5,000 by booking their flight between September 15 and October 15, 2020.

- Chef Wong’s in-flight menu is available to the public and priced at HK$2,080 + 10% service charge per person at The Krug Room within Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. Reservations require 72 hours in advance for a minimum of four guests and available Wednesday to Sunday for lunch only.

The Staycation by M.O. package includes the following:

- HK$1,288 dining or spa services credit per stay.

- Upgrade to the next room category upon check-in.

-  Daily breakfast for up to two adults.

- 24-hour flexible check-in and check-out.

- Welcome VIP amenity.

- Staycation experiences such as Tea Appreciation Class, Curated Hotel History Tour, Weekend Chocolate Master Class, Mixology Class and Flower Wreath Class.

- Complimentary Mercedes-Benz test drive for guests who book a two-night stay in a City View Room or higher room category.

- Enjoy 25% off on food at selected restaurants of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.

- Additional benefits available when guests log into or join Fans of M.O.

*Offer available for on-demand flights. Flights and promotion are subject to terms and conditions.

Seletar airport to handle 700,000 passengers a year

Source: Seletar Airport. Artist's impression of the new airport in Singapore.

Plans for enhanced facilities for passengers travelling through Seletar Airport have been unveiled at the groundbreaking ceremony for the airport’s new terminal building. The new terminal will be completed end-2018.

The new, two-storey terminal is sited at the eastern side of Seletar Airport. It will have a gross floor area of 9,500 sq m, of which 500 sq m will be dedicated to serving business aviation passengers.

Designed for around 700,000 passenger movements per annum, the building will be significantly larger than the current terminal, which handled about 26,700 passenger movements in 2015. This will support the relocation of scheduled turboprop flights from Changi Airport to Seletar Airport upon the completion of the new terminal.

To handle scheduled commercial flights, the departure area will have four check-in counters, four immigration counters, two security screening stations and a gate holdroom which can seat close to 200 passengers.

Passengers travelling on chartered business jets and private jets can look forward to a private drop-off area and a dedicated check-in area where they will be able to enjoy quick pre-departure clearance in a private and exclusive setting. The terminal will also feature amenities such a lounge area and dedicated immigration and security screening areas for these passengers.

On the airside (the area passengers go to after immigration procedures), passengers will be able to board their flights conveniently with three aircraft parking stands adjacent to the terminal. This reduces the need for passengers to be bussed, enabling greater operational efficiency and faster aircraft turnaround time. The three aircraft parking stands will be supplemented by another 60 located at the rest of the airport.

See Seng Wan, GM, Seletar Airport, said, “We have made good progress with the redevelopment of Seletar Airport in recent years. Today’s groundbreaking for the new terminal is another milestone in our plans for the airport. We look forward to providing passengers with a new level of experience, in terms of comfort and convenience, when the terminal opens.”

Daniel Ng, Director (Aviation Industry), CAAS, said, "The expansion of Seletar Airport will accommodate the growth of our air traffic and optimise operational resources. The new passenger terminal building will also complement operations at Changi Airport and allow for more capacity.”

Redevelopment of the airport commenced in 2008 and since then, the airport has seen several enhancements including the lengthening of its runway, the construction of a new control tower and fire station, a doubling of the number of parking stands, additional taxiways and upgraded aircraft parking aprons.

VistaJet partners Apex Air to offer private jet travel in China

VistaJet, the premium long-range private jet travel provider, has announced that Apex Air, a Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) authorised business jet operator will manage and operate a China based fleet of aircraft for VistaJet's Flight Solution Program. 

VistaJet is poised to offer point-to-point service within China as soon as third quarter 2015 with the first Chinese registered aircraft, a Bombardier1 Challenger 8501. Chinese customers will also have access to VistaJet's fleet of over 50 large-cabin, long-range Bombardier Challenger and Global aircraft when travelling on international flights.

"VistaJet has been operating international flights in and out of China for many years. Adding domestic flights through our partnership with Apex Air extends our service area to include one of private aviation's most exciting new markets," said Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman, VistaJet. "China is an important growth market for VistaJet and we expect it to be among the fastest growing regions for our product offering over the next few years. We are already seeing demand for our domestic service which is scheduled to begin in next months.

"VistaJet's cooperative partnership with Apex Air is key to growing our business in the region. Their management team are aviation pioneers in China, having accumulated years of first hand experience running commercial operations in the country. They share VistaJet's entrepreneurial spirit and drive for excellence. We are delighted to share this achievement with Apex Air, who have been integral in helping us become the first global private aviation company to offer large-cabin business aircraft for operation in China."

"Our dedicated and experienced team is committed to delivering a seamless VistaJet flight experience to customers in China. We look forward to providing the highest level of service and attention to detail that VistaJet passengers enjoy worldwide," said Dan Ho, Chairman of Apex Air.

Qatar Airways adds third Doha-Jeddah daily flight

Qatar Airways launched a new daily All-First Class service from its hub in Doha to Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding a third daily flight to the route.

The Airbus A319 aircraft, which is fitted with a single aisle, two-by-two seating configuration with 40 seats, will enable passengers to experience the comfort of a private jet complemented by Qatar Airways’ five-star hospitality. Passengers on the A319 All-First Class flight are eligible to visit the Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Doha’s Hamad International Airport.

Source: Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways’ A319 first-class seats recline into fully-flat beds while the recently-launched Oryx One inflight entertainment system has increased the number of movies and TV shows on board from 950 to up to 2,000. Personal entertainment can be enjoyed with noise-cancelling headphones.

The new daily flights between Doha and Jeddah are scheduled as follows:

Depart Doha QR3002 at 9am. Arrive Jeddah at 11:20am.
Depart Jeddah QR3003 at 12:20pm. Arrive Doha at 2:40pm.