The collaboration sees Saxon Air, a leading UK-based provider of non-scheduled aviation services, operate the popular Citation XLS aircraft on behalf of VistaJet. This move signals VistaJet’s commitment to enhancing regional accessibility and client convenience across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Nick van der Meer, chief operating officer of VistaJet, says: “At VistaJet, operational efficiency and client convenience are paramount. Welcoming this Citation XLS onto a UK Certificate, in partnership with Saxon Air, allows us to offer domestic services on the Vista Members’ fleet. This not only enhances our ability to meet short notice demand, but also strengthens our scheduling flexibility, ensuring we continue to deliver seamless, end-to-end travel for our clients throughout the UK and beyond.”

The Citation XLS, in this case branded in VistaJet's signature silver and red livery, is known for combining light jet efficiency with mid-size jet performance, and is tailored for flights under three hours. With impressive runway capabilities, range, speed and comfort, the aircraft is ideal for both business and leisure trips within the UK – from major hubs such as London, Manchester and Edinburgh to more remote destinations.

Saxon Air CEO Alex Durand, says: “Saxon Air’s understanding of UK operations and VistaJet’s global reach and leading client service standards will create new dynamic opportunities. It’s also a great boost to the UK register to be adding such a popular aircraft type and reflects the strong demand for business aviation that continues to be seen in this country.”

Demand for private flights soars in the UK

In 2024, the UK recorded over 98,000 private jet departures, making it Europe’s second-largest private aviation market. Almost half of those flights originated from London-area airports, including Luton, Farnborough, Biggin Hill and Stansted.

This growth is being driven by corporate and HNW travellers seeking faster, more flexible access to commercial centres such as Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol, Cambridge and Reading – cities home to high-value industries from fintech and law to life sciences and manufacturing.

Ian Moore, Vista’s chief commercial officer, says: “Access and ease are at the heart of what we offer at VistaJet. The ability to fly within the UK – reliably and on demand – has been a key focus for us. Whether it’s a business trip, a weekend escape, or an urgent flight, our clients now have a dedicated domestic solution ready to go. VistaJet consistently sets the standard in offering the best aircraft in each cabin class, and clients can choose the most efficient option for every trip”

Domestic private flights are also gaining traction among sports teams and fans, particularly in the high-intensity football calendar where speed and convenience are essential.

During a panel discussion at Farnborough airport, attended by Globetrender, VistaJet's CMO Matteo Atti, said: “Leisure travellers don’t want to go where everywhere else is going but sports and culture mega events such as Wimbledon are a huge draw. It’s become a badge of honour to say where you have been. The traditional Med summer has become a cliche. The season now focuses on occasions where you can do both leisure and business, especially at the side events. It’s no longer about the city escape – that has been and gone. Now it’s about ‘I am with my crowd in the hotspot’."

He added: “Meanwhile, younger people are flying for a goal – they want to collect information that differentiates them. They are knowledge hunting – visiting universities, manufacturers, interning – they are very determined and know what they want and are using the tools that their families have.”

A smarter aviation model

This UK expansion is part of a wider growth strategy for VistaJet, which has seen flight hours rise by 5% in 2024, despite an overall 1% market dip. VistaJet now accounts for around 5% of all global private aviation traffic and has seen a 64% year-on-year increase in UK Program hours sold.

With a fleet spanning Citation XLS to the ultra-long-range Global 7500, VistaJet offers membership-based access to more than 270 aircraft without the burden of ownership. The Program model appeals to a new wave of clients – from jet owners rethinking their commitments to high-performance entrepreneurs seeking agility and time savings.

VistaJet’s footprint is genuinely global – covering 96% of the world and serving over 2,400 airports in 200+ countries and territories. With each aircraft flying an average of 890 hours per year (compared to an industry average of under 250), VistaJet’s model maximises both efficiency and client value.

Fuelled by investment and vision

This announcement comes shortly after VistaJet successfully closed US$1.3 billion in funding through Preferred Equity and Term Loan B transactions earlier this year. The capital injection reinforces confidence in VistaJet’s long-term strategy, enabling continued service innovation, fleet expansion and geographic growth.

The Citation XLS has already reached full capacity in the UK, with high-demand routes such as London-Edinburgh, London-Manchester and London-Bournemouth reflecting hotbeds of domestic investment and business activity.

By partnering with Saxon Air, VistaJet has taken a strategic leap — combining global infrastructure with local expertise to redefine private aviation in the UK. As trade routes shift, deal velocity increases and travel expectations evolve, VistaJet’s hybrid model of global consistency and regional flexibility is perfectly poised to meet the moment.