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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VistaJet, the first and only global private aviation company and part of the Vista group, announces that it is the first foreign operator to offer flights internally within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This exciting agreement is a commitment to dedicate VistaJet services and expertise to facilitate the strategic goals of the Kingdom, and with the leadership's vision and implementation of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Given the nature of Vista's fully-owned floating fleet, the company is best positioned to offer immediate private aviation services throughout the Kingdom, while ensuring the operational efficiencies of its worldwide operations continue to best serve local clients. With the largest international fleet of Global 7500 aircraft, and soon Global 8000 jets, VistaJet clients can additionally reach any point around the globe non-stop directly from the Kingdom, thanks to its strategic central geographical position.
Nick van der Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Vista, said: "The approval and recognition from GACA marks a significant milestone for Vista's operations in the Kingdom. By expanding our domestic capabilities, we are not only strengthening our regional presence, but also amplifying the efficiency of our global fleet. We are proud to support Vision 2030 and grateful to the leadership and the GACA team for making this possible. This enables us to serve our clients with seamless access across the Kingdom and beyond, ensuring that every journey reflects Vista's commitment to reliability, consistency and world-class service."
Saudi Arabia's aviation industry is undergoing a historic transformation, positioned as a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. With bold ambitions to become a global hub for travel, trade and investment, the Kingdom and GACA are rapidly modernizing the country's aviation landscape through regulation, infrastructure and innovation, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe like never before. This vision is symbiotic to Vista's operations as the most advanced, sustainable and interconnected flying solutions at the very best value, anytime, anywhere around the world.
VistaJet has served the market for more than 15 years — more than any other international operator — and is committed to ensuring it adds true value to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has proven a key growth market for VistaJet, and continues to deliver numerous opportunities. During the first half of 2025, the company saw a 32% increase in VistaJet Program Members in the Kingdom year-over-year, highlighting the drive in demand for both domestic and global flying solutions for both local and international clients.
"We are delighted to be working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA, reinforcing our commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible and trusted flying solutions through our global and regional infrastructure," comments Mazen Obaid, President — Middle East at Vista. "As a Saudi myself, I am extremely proud and excited for this new venture, and of all the opportunities that I know we can achieve together. We thank the Kingdom and its leadership for its dynamic Vision 2030, and we very much look forward to hiring many local experts and investing locally."
Vista has innovated the industry for over 20 years, flying corporations and private clients to over 200 countries and territories on the Vista Members' fleet of over 270 iconic silver and red business jets, across a range of aircraft types, focusing on super-midsize and global range. From Challenger 350 to the flagship Global 7500, Vista offers the best aircraft in each cabin class for every trip.
This announcement follows Vista successfully closing an Equity and Term Loan B transaction totaling $1.3 billion in the first quarter of this year. These transactions are a strong endorsement of Vista's strategy and long-term vision for the future. With enhanced operations, increased services and expanding geographical presence in emerging markets, the business continues to evolve to demand — the agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA is another major milestone, strengthening Vista's position in a key market.
Contact:
press@vistaglobal.com
About VistaJet
VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company. On the unrivaled Vista Members' fleet of over 270 aircraft, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to over 200 countries and territories, covering 96% of the world. Founded over 20 years ago, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers are granted access to an entire fleet while paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership and fractional ownership. VistaJet's signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere, with as little as 24 hours' notice.
VistaJet is part of Vista Global Holding (Vista) — the world's leading private aviation group, headquartered at the DIFC in Dubai, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-free solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation.
More VistaJet information and news at www.vistajet.com.
VistaJet Limited is a European air carrier that operates 9H registered aircraft under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate No. MT-17. VistaJet US Inc. is an air charter broker that does not operate aircraft. VistaJet-owned and U.S.-registered aircraft are operated by properly licensed U.S. direct air carriers, including XOJET Aviation LLC (DBA Vista America), JetSelect LLC (DBA Vista America), Western Air Charter Inc (DBA Vista America), and Red Wing Aeroplane LLC (DBA Vista America).
About Vista
Vista Global Holding Limited (Vista) is the world's leading global business aviation company providing worldwide business flight services through its network of subsidiaries and a team of over 4,000 experts. A global group headquartered in Dubai, Vista integrates a unique portfolio of companies to offer asset free services to cover all key aspects of business aviation, including guaranteed and on demand global flight coverage, subscription and membership solutions, and trading and management services.
Innovating the industry for over 20 years through continuous investment in talent, technology, and infrastructure, Vista's mission is to provide the most advanced flying services at the very best value — anytime, anywhere around the world.
Vista's extensive industry expertise enables it to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions and technology to meet the needs of business aviation clients around the world. These services are offered through its leading brands, including VistaJet and XO.
More Vista information and news at www.vistaglobal.com.
"Vista" is a trade name for Vista Global Holding Limited. Vista does not operate any aircraft. All flights are performed by properly licensed operators, which may include subsidiaries such as VistaJet Limited or VistaJet GmbH. Vista also holds a non-controlling minority stake in FAA-licensed and DOT registered US direct air carriers XOJET Aviation LLC (DBA Vista America), Red Wing Aeroplane LLC (DBA Vista America), Western Air Charter, Inc. (DBA Vista America), Jet Select, LLC (DBA Vista America), and Talon Air LLC.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VistaJet, the first and only global private aviation company and part of the Vista group, announces that it is the first foreign operator to offer flights internally within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This exciting agreement is a commitment to dedicate VistaJet services and expertise to facilitate the strategic goals of the Kingdom, and with the leadership's vision and implementation of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
Given the nature of Vista's fully-owned floating fleet, the company is best positioned to offer immediate private aviation services throughout the Kingdom, while ensuring the operational efficiencies of its worldwide operations continue to best serve local clients. With the largest international fleet of Global 7500 aircraft, and soon Global 8000 jets, VistaJet clients can additionally reach any point around the globe non-stop directly from the Kingdom, thanks to its strategic central geographical position.
Nick van der Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Vista, said: "The approval and recognition from GACA marks a significant milestone for Vista's operations in the Kingdom. By expanding our domestic capabilities, we are not only strengthening our regional presence, but also amplifying the efficiency of our global fleet. We are proud to support Vision 2030 and grateful to the leadership and the GACA team for making this possible. This enables us to serve our clients with seamless access across the Kingdom and beyond, ensuring that every journey reflects Vista's commitment to reliability, consistency and world-class service."
Saudi Arabia's aviation industry is undergoing a historic transformation, positioned as a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. With bold ambitions to become a global hub for travel, trade and investment, the Kingdom and GACA are rapidly modernizing the country's aviation landscape through regulation, infrastructure and innovation, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe like never before. This vision is symbiotic to Vista's operations as the most advanced, sustainable and interconnected flying solutions at the very best value, anytime, anywhere around the world.
VistaJet has served the market for more than 15 years — more than any other international operator — and is committed to ensuring it adds true value to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has proven a key growth market for VistaJet, and continues to deliver numerous opportunities. During the first half of 2025, the company saw a 32% increase in VistaJet Program Members in the Kingdom year-over-year, highlighting the drive in demand for both domestic and global flying solutions for both local and international clients.
"We are delighted to be working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA, reinforcing our commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible and trusted flying solutions through our global and regional infrastructure," comments Mazen Obaid, President — Middle East at Vista. "As a Saudi myself, I am extremely proud and excited for this new venture, and of all the opportunities that I know we can achieve together. We thank the Kingdom and its leadership for its dynamic Vision 2030, and we very much look forward to hiring many local experts and investing locally."
Vista has innovated the industry for over 20 years, flying corporations and private clients to over 200 countries and territories on the Vista Members' fleet of over 270 iconic silver and red business jets, across a range of aircraft types, focusing on super-midsize and global range. From Challenger 350 to the flagship Global 7500, Vista offers the best aircraft in each cabin class for every trip.
This announcement follows Vista successfully closing an Equity and Term Loan B transaction totaling $1.3 billion in the first quarter of this year. These transactions are a strong endorsement of Vista's strategy and long-term vision for the future. With enhanced operations, increased services and expanding geographical presence in emerging markets, the business continues to evolve to demand — the agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA is another major milestone, strengthening Vista's position in a key market.
Contact:
press@vistaglobal.com
About VistaJet
VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company. On the unrivaled Vista Members' fleet of over 270 aircraft, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to over 200 countries and territories, covering 96% of the world. Founded over 20 years ago, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers are granted access to an entire fleet while paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership and fractional ownership. VistaJet's signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere, with as little as 24 hours' notice.
VistaJet is part of Vista Global Holding (Vista) — the world's leading private aviation group, headquartered at the DIFC in Dubai, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-free solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation.
More VistaJet information and news at www.vistajet.com.
VistaJet Limited is a European air carrier that operates 9H registered aircraft under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate No. MT-17. VistaJet US Inc. is an air charter broker that does not operate aircraft. VistaJet-owned and U.S.-registered aircraft are operated by properly licensed U.S. direct air carriers, including XOJET Aviation LLC (DBA Vista America), JetSelect LLC (DBA Vista America), Western Air Charter Inc (DBA Vista America), and Red Wing Aeroplane LLC (DBA Vista America).
About Vista
Vista Global Holding Limited (Vista) is the world's leading global business aviation company providing worldwide business flight services through its network of subsidiaries and a team of over 4,000 experts. A global group headquartered in Dubai, Vista integrates a unique portfolio of companies to offer asset free services to cover all key aspects of business aviation, including guaranteed and on demand global flight coverage, subscription and membership solutions, and trading and management services.
Innovating the industry for over 20 years through continuous investment in talent, technology, and infrastructure, Vista's mission is to provide the most advanced flying services at the very best value — anytime, anywhere around the world.
Vista's extensive industry expertise enables it to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions and technology to meet the needs of business aviation clients around the world. These services are offered through its leading brands, including VistaJet and XO.
More Vista information and news at www.vistaglobal.com.
"Vista" is a trade name for Vista Global Holding Limited. Vista does not operate any aircraft. All flights are performed by properly licensed operators, which may include subsidiaries such as VistaJet Limited or VistaJet GmbH. Vista also holds a non-controlling minority stake in FAA-licensed and DOT registered US direct air carriers XOJET Aviation LLC (DBA Vista America), Red Wing Aeroplane LLC (DBA Vista America), Western Air Charter, Inc. (DBA Vista America), Jet Select, LLC (DBA Vista America), and Talon Air LLC.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
VISTAJET FIRST TO FLY WITHIN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, FURTHER EXPANDING DOMESTIC FLIGHT SOLUTIONS
GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 14, 2026, Guangzhou Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students (ZWIS) and Foshan Zhongshan Whampoa Star-raise School for Hong Kong and Macao Students (ZWSS)—both established by ZWIE—formally signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), marking the launch of several substantive collaborative initiatives. The two ZWIE schools will introduce EdUHK's "Mainland Secondary School Principals' Recommendation Scheme" and provide outstanding EdUHK students with opportunities for school visits, immersive on-campus experiences, and internships. The partners will also jointly organize admission seminars and parent engagement activities to offer families cutting-edge educational guidance.
Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic) of EdUHK, said that the signing of the memorandum marks a significant and solid step forward in promoting educational innovation and deepening exchanges between both parties. This collaboration covers multiple areas, which will enhance students' practical abilities, foster professional exchanges among teachers, and further strengthen the cooperation between the educational sectors of the two regions.
Dr. Peggy Zhai, Principal of Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students, said that this collaboration represents a profound integration of academia and practice. It not only creates a fast track to quality education for students and injects new vitality into teacher development and teaching research advancement, but also provides a high-end, quality career platform for outstanding students of EdUHK, further promoting the integration of education in the Greater Bay Area.
The partnership is founded on the alignment of educational philosophies and mutual high regard for each other's strengths. EdUHK is a government-funded higher education institution dedicated to advancing learning and teaching through the provision of teacher education programs, as well as diverse academic and research programs in social sciences and humanities. In the March-released "2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject" in education, EdUHK ranked 12th globally, fourth in Asia, and second in Hong Kong. Additionally, it was rated as a "5-Star Institution" in the "QS Stars University Ratings." The Zhongshan Whampoa Schools for Hong Kong and Macao Students, established in Guangzhou and Foshan by ZWIE based on over two decades of experience, have grown into leading force in educating Hong Kong and Macao students in the Greater Bay Area. The Guangzhou campus has obtained authorization for the IB MYP-DP continuum and Cognia accreditation, and was listed among the "Hurun Education•Top 100 International Schools in China 2025."
As a pioneer in the integration of Eastern and Western holistic education, ZWIE has been deeply rooted in the Greater Bay Area for over 23 years and has established and supported multiple IB World Schools. Grounded in local educational characteristics and integrated with the IB curriculum framework, ZWIE actively promotes the fusion and innovation of IB and Chinese education, constructing a coherent 15-year IB holistic education ecosystem from kindergarten through high school. It was elected as the founding chair unit of Chong Wa International Baccalaureate Schools Association (CISA), officially recognized by the IB in Greater China. This achievement is underpinned by an educational legacy spanning a century.
ZWIE's approach to integrated education traces back to the great-grandfather of Mr. James Wong, Chairman of ZWIE—Mr. Wu Shangshi, a pioneering figure in Chinese hydrogeography and a master of modern geography in Lingnan. Mr. Wu Shangshi graduated from the English Department of Sun Yat-sen University, pursued advanced studies in France under renowned French geographers, and upon returning to China, taught at Sun Yat-sen University where he later served as head of the Geography Department.
Mr. Wu Shangshi was proficient in English, French, and German. His translation of Hydrology of Rivers was the first French monograph translated in the Chinese geographical community. His published Research on the Topography of the Eastern Foothills of Baiyun Mountain was one of China's earliest true topographical papers. The "Pearl River Delta" geographical theory was finalized and matured under his research, and the "Seven Star Hill Ancient Marine Abrasion Relics" he discovered are now listed as a key Guangzhou cultural relics protection unit. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, he led teachers and students on a walking survey of the mountains and rivers of northern Guangdong, holding steadfastly to his lectures amidst the fires of war, integrating a sense of national and familial commitment into the educational ethos.
Many of Mr. Wu Shangshi's descendants have dedicated themselves to education, and this educational ideal of "rooting in China, looking to the world" has been passed down through generations. In 2003, Mr. James Wong was entrusted by his family to return from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, the place where Mr. Wu Shangshi studied and taught, to explore integrated Chinese and Western education for the new era. The name "Zhonghuang" (中黃) is derived from "Zhonghua Yanhuang" (中華炎黃), and from its inception, its mission has been to inherit and promote Chinese culture.
For over two decades, ZWIE has driven curriculum innovation as its core, developing an integrated curriculum system with both local roots and international perspective. In recent years, ZWIE has continually advanced curriculum evolution, deeply integrating AI-enabled teaching while strengthening science and innovation education. It has explored joint programs with several century-old prestigious schools in the Greater Bay Area to cultivate top innovative talents among Hong Kong and Macao students. As a rising star among schools for Hong Kong and Macao students in the region, ZWIE achieved remarkable results in its inaugural 2025 DSE cohort: at the Guangzhou campus, 46.6% of graduates received offers from top three universities in Hong Kong, 73.3% from top five, including four admitted to the University of Hong Kong (covering flagship programs in Medicine and International Business and Global Management). At the Foshan campus, all inaugural DSE graduates received offers from top five Hong Kong universities or mainland 985/211 institutions, achieving outcomes comparable to Hong Kong Band 1 schools. All graduates from the ZWIE American Curriculum Department gained admission to top 100 world universities.
Mr. James Wong, Chairman of ZWIE, expressed that ZWIE originated in Hong Kong and has accumulated 23 years of practical experience in integrated education within the Greater Bay Area. This in-depth collaboration with EdUHK not only signifies high recognition of ZWIE's educational practices but also provides strong support for ZWIE's return to Hong Kong to extend its operations. Mr. Wong mentioned that ZWIE is actively promoting the launch of a new Hong Kong project, "Zhongshan Whampoa Academy," dedicated to exploring Sino-foreign integrated international curricula with Chinese characteristics, cultivating innovative talents with both noble character and global competence. He looks forward to this as a new starting point—based in the Greater Bay Area, facing the "Belt and Road"—to contribute the wisdom of Chinese education to the world.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
ZWIE and The Education University of Hong Kong Sign Memorandum of Cooperation to Promote Exchange and Deepen Collaboration
ZWIE and The Education University of Hong Kong Sign Memorandum of Cooperation to Promote Exchange and Deepen Collaboration
ZWIE and The Education University of Hong Kong Sign Memorandum of Cooperation to Promote Exchange and Deepen Collaboration
