VistaJet: pilot interview prep

The essentials

Founder

Thomas Flohr (Swiss), founded 2004, flights started 2005

Group

Vista Global (holding created in 2018, based in Dubai), which also owns XO

AOC

Malta

Model

Subscription ("Program") for flight hours at guaranteed rates, with no home base: aircraft pick clients up wherever they are

Fleet

All-Bombardier fleet; about 270 aircraft for the Vista group (2025)

The fleet

• Challenger 350 and 3500 (order for 40 Challenger 3500 in 2026)
• Challenger 605 / 850
• Global 5000 / 6000
• Global 7500, being converted to Global 8000 (18 planned by end 2026)

Key dates

• 2004: Thomas Flohr founds the company (first called Air Executive), flying from 2005 with three aircraft.
• 2009: 23 jets in the fleet.
• 2018: Vista Global created and XOJET acquired; first Global 7500 delivered.
• 2026: Global 7500s converted to Global 8000s and 40 Challenger 3500s ordered.

Good to know

• No home base: aircraft and crews follow demand worldwide.
• First operator to offer a fleet of Global 7500s.
• Very demanding clients: onboard service is part of the job.

How to prepare

• Show real customer focus and flexibility (long rotations, constant travel).
• Know the Bombardier Challenger and Global range.
• Prepare for international ops: handling, FBOs, overflight permits, cultural differences. Ground experience in business aviation (FBO, operations) is a real asset.

Questions to prepare

• Why business aviation, and why VistaJet?
• How do you handle a demanding client or a last-minute schedule change?
• Are you ready for long rotations and high availability?

Recruitment

Watch Business aviation pilots

Openings posted as they come on the careers site.

Minimum experience and sometimes a type rating are often required.

Open applications and networking matter a lot in business aviation. Always check the airline's website before applying.