Private jet firm Vista Global continues its rapid US growth with a new deal to acquire Apollo Jets

Private jet firm Vista Global continues its rapid US growth with a new deal to acquire Apollo Jets

Vista Global on Thursday announced a deal to acquire private aviation firm Apollo Jets in the latest bid to grow its US market share.

The acquisition will give Vista around 4,000 Apollo Jets clients and a fleet of aircraft currently operated by Talon Air, an Apollo Jets company. Vista sees the opportunity to convert Apollo's customers into XO members and subscribers, paying extra for better rates and perks like complimentary aircraft upgrades. 

"The Apollo acquisition reinforces Vista Global's unrivaled commitment to providing every business aviation client with the best value flying solutions around the world," Thomas Flohr, Vista Global's founder and chairman, said in a statement. 

Growth by acquisition has been Dubai-based Vista Global's primary means of expansion in the US, starting with the purchase of XOJET in 2018 and continuing with JetSmarter in 2019. The two companies were merged under the Vista umbrella to create XO, solidifying Vista Global as one of the largest private aviation firms in the country.

In October, Vista also acquired Wisconsin-based Red Wing Aviation and its fleet of Cessna aircraft. The 15 light jets were incorporated into the XO fleet to provide customers with a more cost-effective option compared to the firm's larger Cessna Citation X and Bombardier