VistaJet has concluded its first-ever roadshow static display in West Africa, engaging with media and stakeholders in Abidjan, Accra, Lagos and Abuja. The roadshow was organised in support of VistaJet’s regional growth plans.

According to Aviation Benefits Beyond Borders, the aviation industry supports $3.5 trillion (4.1 per cent) of the world's gross domestic product. If the industry were a country, it would rank 17th in size by GDP, equating to that of Indonesia and the Netherlands. In Nigeria, aviation annually contributes over $600 million to the national GDP, creating more than 241,000 jobs. Moreover, the aviation market is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. By 2038, global air transport is forecast to support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion to the global economy. According to the 2024 Africa Wealth Report, $2.5 trillion total investable wealth is currently held in the African continent, and its millionaire population is set to rise by 65 per cent over the next 10 years.

“VistaJet provides great value to clients in West Africa and is the perfect flying solution for West African corporates and businesses as a hassle-free and timesaving tool to connect world decision-makers domestically and across continents, boosting economies and driving global investments,” says president of Europe and Africa Philippe Scalabrini. “Now, with three dedicated aircraft in the region, VistaJet aims to accelerate its trajectory as a key partner for the region's economic development. The business aviation sector will play a crucial role in this growth, as in other regional economic transformations. VistaJet is pleased to be able to support Africa's economic development.”

VistaJet experienced strong momentum at the start of 2024 (Q1 2024 versus Q1 2023) in Africa, with a 69 per cent increase in Global 7500 flight hours and a 91 per cent increase in Program members. In West Africa specifically, VistaJet has seen a 58 per cent increase in total flight hours.

VistaJet entered the African and Middle Eastern markets in 2010. Due to high demand from the continent, VistaJet has placed dedicated Challenger 605 aircraft in West Africa, starting with one in 2022, and now three in 2024 to meet the surge in demand. The Challenger 605 is well suited to the region; it flies domestically across Africa to Europe directly and from West Africa to Dubai without stops. The Global 6000 and Global 7500 aircraft are also very popular there; flying on a Global 6000 from Lagos to Singapore is a popular trip, showing strong, substantial investments across the African and Asian continents.