Founded in 2006, Air Hamburg is one of the most reputable full-service business aviation companies, flying to more than 1,000 destinations in Europe alone. It is the largest private jet operator by number of flights in Europe, having organized more than 18,800 flights for its customers in 2021, and second only to Vista in total flight time: in 2021, Air Hamburg flew more than 35,000 hours. Upon completion of the transaction, Vista expects an increase in global flight hours of approximately 30% (collectively).
Thomas Flor, founder and chairman of Vista
Today’s announcement integrates a recognised European private aviation company into the Vista Group and complements Vista’s growth and service offering in Europe and the Middle East. Air Hamburg is an impressive, well-established and profitable business with years of experience in providing best-in-class customer service – like Vista, it is known for its reliability and stability of its growing fleet and high usage.
Vista’s leading flight solutions, with a business model based on a free-floating fleet, enable fast and seamless integration. This is yet another demonstration of Vista’s unrivaled commitment to ensuring that all members have access to the best flight solutions around the world at any time.
Vista welcomes more than 650 new highly qualified colleagues to become part of the Vista family of experts during one of the most exciting periods for the industry. It has been an absolute pleasure to work closely with the leadership team to ensure that both companies take full advantage of global opportunities in the expanding private aviation market.”
The acquisition will expand the scope and number of Vista’s offerings in key strategic regions and bring together two long-established respected companies with a shared vision of delivering the most reliable and sustainable flight solutions and the best experience for its members. The merger is the latest step in Vista’s transformation into a highly fragmented business aviation ecosystem. Given the strong global demand for private aviation services from new and existing customers, this move builds on the recent integration of Apollo Jets, Talon Air and Red Wing Aviation.
In addition to its thriving charter business, Vista will integrate the AIR HAMBURG Maintenance Centre with EASA Part 145 approval at Baden-Baden Airport, as well as its Executive Handling division and VIP lounge at Hamburg Airport, which will be accessible to Vista customers.
Floris Helmers, CEO and Managing Director of AIR HAMBURG
“This is an incredible opportunity to stay at the top of the growing business aviation market. Over the past three years, we have achieved significant growth, significantly increasing our market share in Europe and beyond. This collaboration between the two largest operators means increasing our stability and ensuring the continued growth of our business, as well as allowing our team to showcase their strengths and competencies to the most sophisticated clientele. We look forward to the next chapter in joining Vista.”
AIR HAMBURG’s growing number of private jets will complement Vista’s own fleet and its 44 aircraft, including the Lineage 1000E, Dassault Falcon 7X and Embraer Legacy, will be available to all Vista customers.
