The order and options for up to 160 super-midsize Challenger jets from Bombardier starts immediately and runs through 2036.
Vista Global will purchase 40 Challenger 3500s from Bombardier, with options to purchase 120 additional super-midsize jets.
Last April, it announced two financing deals valued at $1.3 billion.
The order, announced this morning, “secures long-term capacity for Vista’s ever-growing Member base as global demand for premium private aviation continues to expand.”
Deliveries will begin immediately in 2026.
Deliveries will be phased over up to the next 10 years.
In November, its Vista America unit added its own training simulator for the aircraft type.
It is Vista’s first order for new aircraft since April 2021.
Back then, it announced 12 Global 7500s and 10 Challenger jets.
Vista has been in the middle of a fleet realignment.
Last September, it sold off its remaining Citation X fleet to Jet Excellence.
Last month, it sold its interest in management company and charter operator Talon Air.
Per the press release:
‘The structure provides Vista with significant flexibility while ensuring readiness to serve members around the world as travel patterns evolve. It also consolidates Vista’s demand for its super-midsize offering on one common platform, which grants clients an identical experience anywhere, anytime. From an operational perspective, this level of scale on one common platform will further drive efficiencies.’
Vista Global Chairman Thomas Flohr said, “This agreement is about leadership, preparedness, and client experience.”
He adds, “We are continuing to build the fleet our Members will rely on over the next decade, not reacting to short-term cycles, but investing with clarity, scale and discipline.”
The VistaJet Program and VJ25, its version of a guaranteed jet card, provides guaranteed availability and occupied hour pricing to “96% of the world’s countries.”
In the U.S., Vista ranks third behind NetJets and Flexjet based on charter and fractional flight hours.
In 2025, the Program member base grew by 12%, and Vista flew 16% more live Program hours year-over-year.
Program live hours growth was delivered across all markets, with the U.S. and Europe being the largest contributors.
The U.S. was up 11%.
Europe was up 15%, according to the company.
While its two core regions posted double-digit gains, Vista pointed to growth in “emerging regions.”
Program member flight hours in the Middle East were up 32% year-over-year.
Africa saw a 30% year-over-year gain in 2025.
Asia posted 22% year-over-year gains last year compared to 2024.
XO offers dynamic pricing memberships.
It has also been a leader with its instant-booking charter platform.
Last year, Vista said it would expand the XO brand to Asia.
It also launched a new corporate membership.
The Vista Members Fleet serves both VistaJet and XO customers.
Based on membership type and tier, customers get priority access to the Vista fleet.
Vista said in the announcement:
‘The Challenger 3500 plays a central role in Vista’s fleet strategy, offering exceptional range, reliability, and cabin innovation. Vista continues to lead and pioneer the client experience on board — in the past by introducing the pocket door for privacy; then the jump seat for the Cabin Host to ensure every Vista flight is operated with full service; and today, the Challenger 3500 is recognized for featuring the most technologically advanced cabin in its class, with productivity-enhancing features such as the industry’s first voice-controlled cabin, a completely redesigned interior and patented Nuage zero gravity seats.’
Bombardier President and CEO Eric Martel said, “Bombardier jets pioneered the super-midsize aircraft category, and with the Challenger 3500 aircraft, we continue to raise the bar for customers when it comes to offering a full package of performance, reliability, and cabin comfort.”
He added, “This significant order is a testament to how well this aircraft serves our customers, delivering the perfect balance of cutting-edge technology, exceptional comfort, and proven value.”
Martel continued, “Vista has been a valued Bombardier customer since they began operating,” adding, “We are proud that our relationship will further deepen through this significant order and are excited for Vista’s teams and clients to benefit from everything the Challenger 3500 aircraft has to offer.”
The deal comes on the heels of threats by U.S. President Donald Trump against Bombardier.
Potential tariffs and other sanctions would not affect Bombardier’s deliveries to Vista outside the United States.
Last October, the startup fractional Bond was revealed as the mystery customer for a $1.7 billion order from the Canadian OEM.
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