Talking Aviation: Interview with Thomas Flohr of VistaJet

Meet Thomas Flohr, Founder and Chairman of VistaJet, who’s Bombardier business aircraft fleet offer clients an unforgettable flight comprising of complete comfort and exemplary class.  The VistaJet experience is simply incredible, taking travelers all across the world, which even include the most secluded and difficult to reach destinations.  Passengers aboard VistaJet have the privilege of choosing specialized preferences for their journey to best suit their reason of travel.  Read the interview below to find out more about the VistaJet fleet, as Mr. Flohr talks all things aviation and travel.

What in particular do you believe sets VistaJet apart from other Charter operators?

“VistaJet is the only global business aviation company. And not only are we the only global operator – in 2017 we arranged over 20,000 flights, and everyone of them is tailored to the occasion [as well as] the passengers’ preferences: we provide seamless travel solutions to businessmen who need to be in multiple-locations within the shortest period of time, and create the most memorable leisure trips to remote destinations anywhere in the world.  What really makes VistaJet even better than owning your own plane is that we make our entire fleet of over 70 business jets available to all our Program customers – with guaranteed availability, no asset risk or positioning costs. Since I founded VistaJet in 2004, we’ve flown our silver and red jets to over 187 countries worldwide.”

What is the inspiration behind the interior design of VistaJet’s current fleet?

“The cabin is designed as a home away from home. The spacious stand up cabins feature understated elegant furnishings, dark wood, fine Italian leather and even a curated library. For corporate leaders, it is business as usual as all cabins are equipped with the most advanced office-equipment to maximize productivity.  But, most important, VistaJet is renowned for the only consistent fleet in the industry: the interior of our aircraft is identical throughout the entire fleet.”

VistaJet is at the forefront of travel to some of the world’s most difficult to reach locations, with that said, is there any particular location that comes to mind when you think of the most challenging flights your company has completed?

“Our pilots are certified for snow and difficult landing, and the training we provide is way above the strictest national regulations. Our customers ask us to reach incredible private islands, or the top of mountains, at any time of the year. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you much more details, to protect our client’s privacy.”

Tell us more about your current partnership with Christie’s for the global tour of the David and Peggy Rockefeller collection.

“When we heard about the project, we saw it immediately as a perfect match. The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller is an unbelievable collection of some of the finest works of art. The fact that 100% of the proceeds from the auction of the collection will be donated to charity is a remarkable philanthropic effort. We fully support the Rockefellers’ commitment to giving back, and our sponsorship is our way to facilitate and contribute to the Rockefeller family’s charitable mission.  Finally, the global nature of this art auction and exhibitions also gives us the unique opportunity to serve all our clients in the world with one unified experience.”

Any tips for beating jet lag?

“To help our clients avoid jet lag, we set the pressure in our cabin to the same as you would find at 1000m altitude – with this setup, the cabin air is more dense and has a greater level of oxygen saturation. As a result, the body does not have to work as hard to oxygenate blood and sustain itself, decreasing the chance of developing jet lag.  In addition, we have humidifiers on board to help our passengers feel more refreshed upon landing. Should you not be traveling on a business jet, you should try to keep hydrated with water and creams, and include resting time to start adapting to the arrival time zone.”

Where to next?

“If current trends continue, 2018 is expected to be another momentous year for the company. The upper-end of the sector historically tracks the global economy, and with Europe, the US and the Middle East seeing growth, demand is only set to build in 2018. While the entry end of the sector is still struggling with oversupply, trading for premium brands such as VistaJet is strong, as business leaders, corporations and UHNWIs are becoming ever more selective in their booking choices.

While all private aviation customers are always interested in the efficiency offered by the service, in 2018 the key will be attention to detail, additional services, and a personalized experience. Generations that have grown up with the world at their fingertips are increasingly searching for travel solutions that deliver both speed and high quality. Customers are also choosing to fly ever more globally, and average flight times are rising. On top of that, exciting new long-range aircraft models such as the Global 7000 will only add to the positive momentum in the sector. As a result, demand for larger aircraft is building; and in the private aviation market, only VistaJet is able to meet this need all over the world.

With the growth of the tech sector on the West Coast of the US and a growing body of entrepreneurs in key global financial hubs such as Dubai, the audience for private aviation will get even younger in 2018. After many years of stability, the private aviation industry is finally beginning to innovate to meet this burgeoning demand. VistaJet is at the forefront of innovation; its On Demand solutions and Direct app give entrepreneurs transparency over pricing, and its business model is based on access over ownership, an approach users of Uber and Airbnb are familiar with.”

You can keep up to date with VistaJet by following them on Instagram: @VistaJet

Images Courtesy of:  VistaJet

The Future of Electric Flight: Lilium

As countless organizations work toward the future of electric powered, environmentally friendly mobility, one Munich based firm seems to be leading the world in the future of electric flight.  Lilium has been backed by several major investment firms including former Twitter CEO, Evan Williams’ Obvious Ventures.  With total funding now exceeding $100 million dollars, after a recent round adding $90M to their total raised capital, it is looking increasingly likely that Lilium just may become the world leader in this genre.

Daniel Wiegand, Lilium co-founder and CEO said: “This investment is a tremendously important step for Lilium as it enables us to make the five-seat jet a reality. This is the next stage in our rapid evolution from an idea to the production of a commercially successful aircraft that will revolutionise the way we travel in and around the world’s cities. It makes Lilium one of the best funded electric aircraft projects in the world. Our backers recognise that Lilium’s innovative eVTOL technology puts us in the lead in this exciting new industry, with no other company promising the economy, speed, range and low-noise levels of the Lilium Jet.

Lilium was founded in 2015 by Wiegand and his associates Sebastian Born, Matthias Meiner and Patrick Nathen, during their studies at the Technical University of Munich.  In under two years, the founders vision has gone on to employ more than 70 engineers to develop an unrivaled fully electric vertical take off and landing Jet.  Lilium has already successfully test flown their fully autonomous 5 seat prototype, which has exhibted exceptional maneuverability and performance.

Although, the aircraft’s electric engines function similar to a conventional jet’s engines, their are some significant differences including the fact that the compressor fan is powered by an electric motor, rather than a typical petrol turbine, making for ultra quiet travel. The change over from fuel to electricity also makes for considerably more economical running costs compared to a conventional jet.  Lilium expects this fact to enable their product to compete with not only other planes, but all areas of transportation.

The Lilium Jet is expected to travel at a top speed of 300kmph for up-to one hour on just a single charge.  This allows for a 19 KM flight from Manhattan to JFK in just five minutes, at a cost which is estimated to be less than taxi fare.

Airbus’s High-Speed Helicopter Project Racer

Airbus is reshaping the concept of the conventional helicopter to even greater heights.  The helicopter has long been full of advantages compared to the traditional airplane, such as having an easy take-off from the smallest of points.  The only disadvantage of the helicopter was that they lacked speed.  This flaw lead Airbus to go against conventional methods to design and develop the new high-speed helicopter project Racer, which was unveiled this summer at the Paris Air Show.  Airbus in collaboration with the European-wide Clean Sky 2 program, have joined forces to build an extremely fast, high-speed helicopter that is scheduled to take flight by 2020.

The Airbus helicopter was given the name RACER, an abbreviation to “Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft”.  Based off the concept of Airbus’s X3 prototype, which first took flight in 2013 and accomplished a helicopter speed record of 293 mph at level altitude, you can easily imagine the future achievements the aircraft has in store when it becomes airborne.

Bringing in a one of a kind approach to the concept of the helicopter, Airbus’s new Racer proves its high-speed flying-capabilities and all-around efficiency for any task or operation.  The Racer’s orthogonal wing design structure, which was tested on the prototype X3, distributes a thrust of power straight towards the main rotor’s lift when in cruise mode through mid-flight.  The wing can also help shield passengers from the “pusher” during ground operations.  During ground operations, the wing also helps to shield the passengers from the “pusher” rotors.  These rotors, which produce thrust in forward flight, are powered by two RTM322 engines that were built by Safran Helicopter Engines.  In addition, both the RTM322 engines generate power to the main rotor.

The advanced technology on the new Racer employs a multitude of leading edge features, and will be able to achieve a top speed of 250 mph.  Utilizing a high-voltage direct-current electrical generator, the Racer gains a substantial reduction in pressure when compared to present technology advancements, as specified by Airbus.  “The technical solution we have put forward is very appealing,” said Jean-Brice Dumont, head of engineering at Airbus Helicopters, “because it is simple and inexpensive. It is an illustration of perfect innovation, which is innovation based on reality.”

The Racer will possess an extensive fuselage constructed from hybrid metallic-composite materials, which is expected to be lightweight and effortless to manage.  The future commercial helicopter based on the design of Racer and it’s cutting-edge technology could very well be put on the market by the year 2030.

For more information visit:  Airbus.com/helicopters

Images provided by Airbus Helicopters

Cirrus starts deliveries of the Vision Jet

Cirrus has just begun deliveries of their first jet, the industry shaking $2 million Vision SF50, which is capable of surpassing it’s competition in nearly every dimension.  Whether that is the speed and cruising altitude of similarly sized turbo propeller planes or the higher purchase and operating costs of other small jets in the Cirrus’s segment.

Stand-out design characteristics are the Vision Jet’s carbon fiber monocoque construction, which allows for segment leading take-offs requiring less than a 2,100 foot long runway; allowing for the flexibility afforded by turbo-props.  The Vision Jet’s well finished and customizable interior features large windows and allows for seven passengers to travel up to nearly 1,400 miles at a cruising speed of 300 KTAS in perfect comfort.  And last, but not least, safety features of the Vision Jet include the groundbreaking Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).

While previewing the Vision Jet during McCall’s Motorworks Revival at Monterey Car Week, we learned that Cirrus recently received their FAA as well as the necessary European certifications in Spring of 2017.  With already a growing order book making up 600 preorders, Cirrus expects considerable growth in this segment over the coming years.

McCall’s Motorworks Revival Celebrates its 26th-year

McCall begins their preparations for the most marvelous Motorworks Revival in its 26-year history, which is set to take place at the Monterey Jet Center during the world renowned Monterey Car Week.  The grand gala invites a total of 3,000 fellow auto-moto-aero enthusiasts, while this year’s event spares no expense in offering the finest culinary and wine presentations of the evening.

McCall has combined aviation and automotive experiences together for yet another experimental celebration of the century alongside an array of delicious food and wine.  Local chefs Jerome Viel, from Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market, and Tim Wood, from the Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch, will both join in the event and present guests bespoke composed plates paired with four highly exclusive, limited-production, “member only” boutique wines from Carmel Valley & Napa Valley, including award winning offerings from Bernardus Winery served by owner Ben Pon.  In addition, California Caviar is the opening entrée for the evening along with other epicurean morsels in the main Center Stage Pavilion.  Affina Food & Wine from Carmel will also be at the event to compliment the evening as the festivities come to a close and guests begin to take their leave.

“With so many events now on the Monterey Peninsula, our Wednesday night party seems to push all the buttons for several of our motorsports legend guests,” McCall says. “They get to see all of their friends here and can relax and enjoy the scenery without the crowds.” McCall’s VIP Red Carpet guests will once again enjoy an early arrival with valet parking and very little traffic. “We started this special ticket three years ago and the interest has grown substantially,” McCall reports. “We’re pleased to entertain people for an extra hour and give them the opportunity to take in more of the sights. It’s become a coveted party within the party. This year’s Red Carpet Club will be in the mezzanine of the main hangar, which will have its own bar and give the Red Carpet guests the bird’s-eye view over the hangar and tarmac display. The Red Carpet tickets have sold out since we started the special ticket, and are sure to sell out again this year.”

Some of the best aviation and automotive companies in the world will be represented at McCall’s 26th annual anniversary, allowing guests who happen to be dedicated auto-moto-aero aficionados an unforgettable evening.  The diverse group of prominent names from the aero industry such as Gulfstream, Textron Aviation, Bombardier, Pilatus, and Cirrus as well as the big names from the auto industry like Toyota, Rimac, Genesis, and more, will all be featured at McCall’s Motorworks Revival celebration.

Luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Baume & Mercier has prepared a special timepiece to be a prize in a raffle, which will also include several other high-end luxury item prizes as well as a hand crafted Amalgam 1:18 scale Ferrari model.  Baume & Mercier returns to support the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation with a special watch donated for the evening’s charity raffle, while various corporate sponsors such as Barrett Jackson, Hagerty Insurance, The Thermal Club, HRE Performance, Weathertech, and Quail Rally engage in entertaining their VIP guests throughout the thrilling evening.

Amongst the numerous cutting-edge aero and auto displays are a line-up of privately owned vintage aircrafts as well as sports & race cars presented by McCall’s international group of friends.  This world-class event has upheld the same tradition of hosting the biggest names in the motorsports industry through the years, which even has several of McCall’s friends traveling from all around the globe for just this one-night celebration that is frequently known for being one of the most exclusive and sensational soirees of the year.

Save the Date for the 26th Anniversary of McCall’s Motorworks Revival: Wednesday, August 16, 2017

VIP tickets are available from $395 and Red Carpet Tickets from $550, for more information please visit:  McCallEvents.com/2017-tickets

Follow McCall Events on Instagram: @McCallEventsIncFollow

Crystal Cruises Takes to The Sky

Crystal Cruises changes things up with a completely new approach to their usual way of travel.  The American Luxury Cruise line has taken to the skies with their new custom cabin onboard a Boeing 777, providing affluent travelers an unforgettable experience as they fly around the globe to some of their favorite travel destinations.  The interior of the jet, designed by Greenpoint Technologies based in Kirkland, Washington, includes four dining tables that seat up to six people each, a climate-controlled wine storage, two mohair-covered sofas, and an expansive arched lounge with bar.

The custom cabin, which in standard configuration can carry an average of 380 passengers, has been remodeled to accommodate no more than 84 passengers.  Each seat is brilliantly upholstered in quilted leather, and is able to fully recline to a 73.5 inch-long-lie-flat-bed whilst retaining complete seclusion from other passengers onboard.  In addition, each seat possesses an in-flight entertainment system that features luxuries such as a 24 inch flat-screen, Wi-Fi, and USB & power ports.  The cabin also offers two galleries and four private restrooms that include broad mirrors and gray oak veneer cabinets.

Crystal AirCruises are currently booking around-the-world itineraries on the Boeing 777, which will last as long as two weeks to a month.  The first being a 27-day trip that features stays at all ten Peninsula hotels.  The flight is priced at $159,000 per person and begins on August 30th in New York with layovers in Bangkok, Tokyo, Manila, Shanghai, and Paris.

For more information visit:  CrystalCruises.com

Richard Branson’s Innovative Supersonic Jet For 2020

English business magnate, investor, and philanthropist, Sir Richard Branson, proves to be an innovator with the launch of his brand’s first ever 40-seat supersonic jet.  The jet’s prototype (codenamed: Baby Boom) was initially unveiled during an exclusive event located at the Centennial Airport in Denver on November 2016.

With the joint collaboration of Boom Technology, Branson’s new supersonic jet is predicted to be the world’s fastest civil aircraft ever built.  The jet is planned to be able to travel from London to New York in only 3.5 hours, while Baby Boom was shown at the event, the complete 40-seat version is set to be launched by 2020.

“I have long been passionate about aerospace innovation and the development of high-speed commercial flights,” states Branson in a release. “As an innovator in the space, Virgin Galactic’s decision to work with Boom was an easy one. We’re excited to have an option on Boom’s first 10 airframes. Through Virgin Galactic’s manufacturing arm, The Spaceship Company, we will provide engineering and manufacturing services, along with flight test support and operations as part of our shared ambitions.”

In addition to the 40-seat supersonic jet, designated as XB-1, there is also the two passenger model outfitted with a 17-foot wingspan and is capable of reaching Mach 2.2, which is roughly 2.6 times faster than any other commercial jet made today.  Though the prices for flights from London to New York have yet to be announced, Virgin Galactic estimates the overall payment for a roundtrip ticket will be approximately $5,000 per person, with test flights beginning sometime later this year.

For more information visit:  BoomSupersonic.com

Bell’s Innovative Helicopter Concept Unveiled

When one envisions a helicopter, many at first think of it as a simple air transport, but as time goes on and the world of aviation continues to advance further to a new age full of growth & development.  That simple helicopter becomes more than a ride to travel from place to place, the simpleness of the helicopter was gone and in its place an evolved complex version emerged.  It was not easy to turn a helicopter into a superlative and luxurious flying machine, but companies eager to explore more dynamic approaches on helicopter innovation appeared.  And one such company, Bell Helicopter, has arose to create a one of a kind helicopter concept through leaps and bounds.

Bell Helicopter, an American aerospace manufacturer and Textron firm, faced this challenge head on to conceptualize a helicopter for the coming future.  This new aircraft concept, the Bell FCX-001, integrates leading edge technology with a peerless direction in creating a more adept, secured, efficient, and easier operational helicopter.

The FCX-001 is the product of six months endeavor by a team of skilled engineers and graphic designers.  The integrated technology inside the FCX-001 allows the creative team and future customers alike a glimpse into what is in store for the new generation of superlative designed helicopters.  The helicopter’s cutting-edge technology features include an easy to operate hybrid propulsion system, morphing rotor blades that heightens efficiency, a state-of-the-art flight deck, and an anti-torque system located in the tail boom that is toned down and more secure.

Each passenger in the cabin will have individualized enhanced-reality systems, making it simple to select from an array of options such as seeing the latest on world news, sharing documents or other information with other passengers, presenting a live video conference, or watching movies and listening to music.  Bell states that the FCX-001 is only the first step in creating the helicopter of the future.  And that Bell’s engineering and design team continues to progress in their work, behind closed doors, until they are ready to reveal further news.

For more information visit:  BellHelicopter.com

The First Dassault Falcon 8X Is Clear For Ascent

Say hello to the first version of Dassault’s Falcon 8X, a luxurious $58 million ultra long-range business jet that is the French aerospace firm’s newest innovation, and was just delivered to the European charter company Amjet Executive in early October.  The well-known Greek charter service, which handles an amazing line of planes that even includes the Falcon 7X model and the Falcon 50 model, has been confirmed as the first company to bid charters on board the superlative Falcon 8X.

Labeled to the world as the next generation of the ever preeminent Falcon 7X, the Dassault Falcon 8X was created with a longer range and an even greater cabin space alongside 30 promising layouts to pick from.  The awe-inspiring business jet is proficient at reaching speeds of up to 425 mph and traveling up to 7,422 miles without stopping, it was also given the-all-clear for takeoff after obtaining the EASA and FAA certifications in June of this year.  The Falcon 8X is currently going into service as scheduled (precisely two years after it’s first announcement).  Additional deliveries are prepared for customers in about a dozen countries, some such countries are as follow: the United States, Brazil, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

For more information visit:  DassaultFalcon.com

What’s it Like To Fly In Etihad Airways First Class?

Etihad Airways defies prevailing at the level of first-class cabins, which is more than a mere seat. They provide plenty of habitat for the discerning traveler with soft furniture, leather, and unique design. At Etihad, special classes come with special treatment and the long hours turn short.

First Class Suite is a corner of an exclusive and private space, it embodies the perspective of a new welfare. Every part of the trip was designed to reflect the lifestyle of a privileged and comfortable journey.

Space:
The first-class suites on the 787 Dreamliner provide you with the largest possible area, seats facing forward and backward. The curved corridor also provides personal space for you.

Seat to bed:
Enter your suite and relax in your special leather seat, which turns into a fully flat bed 6 feet, 8 inches tall. Each suite is equipped with first-class wardrobe closet and private drinks (Prada on board the 787 Dreamliner).

Special Suite:
Enjoy the privacy you deserve, behind closed doors and the advantages of luxury. You are also able to invite a traveler as a companion for dining, which will be attended by a special chef on board.
 

Etihad Airways Travel Experience:
 Comfort:
Hit “not disturb button” and enjoy the luxury of a sound sleep. Etihad Airways Cabin Crew is always on alert if you needed anything.

• Mattresses, quilts, blankets and pillows made from natural materials.
• Stylish clothes to sleep in.
• Spray oil for pillow and wrist to help keep you well rested.
• Bedtime drinks.

Travel kit package:
Inspired travel bag kits primarily from the rich heritage of the people of the UAE, in terms of design primarily, focuses on embroidery known as “Sadu”, whose origins go back to centuries pattern.

Guests enjoy luxury fragrances of the famous brand from New York, “le labo” which offers refreshing Bergamut senses, and as an added bonus it also includes hand cream, lip balm, facial moisturizer, and a refreshing towel. In addition, the dental care items, socks, a light emitting cover, earphones, spray pillows and mint oil are given to help guests relax and enjoy the flight.