LONDON – The Emirati Vista Global Holdings Ltd. has acquired the German charter airline Air Hamburg’s operating platform and maintenance service as Vista is seeking to expand to the European and the Middle Eastern markets.

Vista is expecting an increase of about 30% in in-flight hours on a combined basis globally and after the deal is done, Vista is expecting a global market share of about 15% in the aviation charter market.

The acquisition “brings a renowned institution of the European private aviation market into the Vista group and complements our growth and service offering across Europe and the Middle East”, said Thomas Flohr, Vista’s founder, and chairman.

Contrary to the expectations of many, the recovery of the business jet activities is faster than the commercial air traffic in February, according to a report made by aviation data specialist WingX.

One of the signs that it is growing is the latest Superbowl game when there were 25% more private jets arriving than in 2019.

The acquisition deal is expected to be completed in the first half of this year, subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals, according to their statement.

Air Hamburg was founded back in 2006 and is currently a full-service private aviation company flying to over 1000 destinations in Europe. Air Hamburg is also more than that. They have their own flight school and several subsidiaries.

“Over the last three years, we have experienced strong growth, significantly increasing our market share across Europe and beyond,” Floris Helmers, Air Hamburg’s chief executive, and managing director, said.

“This co-operation between two of the largest operators means increasing our stability and securing further growth for our business.”

The merger is another step in Vista’s inorganic growth in the quite risky business aviation sector.

Following strong global demand for private aviation services from new and existing clients, the move builds on Vista’s recent integration of Apollo Jets, Talon Air, and Red Wing Aviation to the group.

Vista will also integrate Air Hamburg’s maintenance hub at Baden Baden Airpark in Germany, along with its Executive Handling division and VIP lounge at Hamburg Airport, which will be available for Vista passengers to use.