VistaJet has placed a Citation XLS on the UK register through a partnership with Saxon Air, which will operate the aircraft domestically.

This move responds to a sharp rise in UK private flying, particularly among corporations seeking more productive travel to business centres such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Edinburgh. Other cities with strong industrial bases, including Cambridge and Milton Keynes, have also contributed to the surge, alongside seasonal demand linked to sporting events.

The Citation XLS will fly in VistaJet’s signature silver and red colours and is optimised for routes of up to three hours. It combines the cost profile of a light jet with the performance of a midsize model. Its versatility and range make it suitable for point-to-point operations from both large cities and more remote locations.

COO Nick van der Meer says: “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.”

Saxon Air CEO Alex Durand adds: “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.”

The aircraft joins VistaJet’s global members’ fleet, which includes Challenger, Gulfstream and Global aircraft. The group recorded over 98,000 UK private jet departures in 2024, with nearly half departing from London area airports including Luton, Farnborough, Biggin Hill and Stansted.

CCO Ian Moore says: “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 is part of the Vista group, which completed $1.3 billion in funding in Q1 2024. The company says UK domestic flying is a key milestone in the group’s ongoing strategic development.