Private aviation services provider VistaJet has unveiled the eighteenth Bombardier Global 7500 ultralong-range business jet added to its fleet of 240 aircraft. The aircraft can do 17 hours of flight time with a range of 7 700 nautical miles, or 14 260 km, and a top speed of Mach 0.925, or 1 142 km/h.

"These planes are incredible business tools, with 17 hours of non-stop flight enabling our customers to travel to almost anywhere in the world. VistaJet has about 5% of the world market share of on-demand flights," VistaJet Europe and Africa president Philippe Scalabrini told journalists in Johannesburg on November 20.

"We have seen a 103% growth in hours flown in Africa over the past year and growth of about 30% in new customers joining our membership programmes. This is why we are dedicating more resources to the region, including this new jet," he said.

The company has also realised growth of 14% during the first half of this year, compared with the first half of 2023. This is especially important because the market is contracting and global demand for business aviation declined by about 2% over the past year.

"Our growth story is one of successful implementation and our decisions to grow as a global player are paying off. Africa is a big part of our growth story and why we continue to invest in the region," he said.

VistaJet has about 20 aircraft dedicated to the region, including three Bombardier Challenger 605 private jets for the regional seven- to eight-hour trips, with the Global 7500 providing long-distance capability.

It sees potential demand for a further 10 to 20 aircraft owing to the large need in the region, and it would commit additional aircraft to the region as they are required.

"One of our services guarantees availability of aircraft for customers within 24 hours. However, while investing in our aeroplanes in the region constitutes a significant financial commitment, it is a weighted risk for us because we know the market - having operated in Africa for the past 14 years - and we have a strong base in place," said Scalabrini.

"While we need to create the network effect to be effective for our clients, from our experience there is a huge need for transportation across Africa and globally. It serves as a vector for economic development, including for local and international investments by flying in specialists and experts.

"Business aviation plays a role in providing transport for corporate companies, investors, entrepreneurs and government agencies," he said.