Vistajet flight demand hops ahead of lunar new year, China travel rush

VistaJet sees demand for private aviation continuing to pick up on the back of the Lunar New Year holiday across Asia. Called ‘Chunyun’  in China, the Lunar New Year is the longest national holiday, which is a peak period for leisure travel and family reunions.

“Lunar New Year is a very important period in Greater China and many parts of Asia,” says VistaJet Chief Commercial Officer, Ian Moore. “Many are taking the opportunity to travel abroad for holidays. With the Chinese border now open, families can go back to China for reunions and corporations can send executives for business again. We are optimistic about the growth prospects for the region in 2023.”

Demand for private aviation has grown since the easing of travel restrictions in the region. In Hong Kong alone, VistaJet flights increased 18% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2022 and compared to pre-pandemic 2019 figures, this is up 20%. Riding on the rising demand for private travel, VistaJet is offering Members a special Lunar New Year inflight experience while cruising at 45,000 feet to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.

For flights from Hong Kong enjoy a traditional ‘Yum Cha’ (tea and dim sum) experience on the world’s highest dining table served by its restaurant partner, the Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen at The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong. ‘Yum Cha’ on board a VistaJet flight from Hong Kong includes options such as the Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings with Scallops and Jinhua Ham; Steamed Alaskan Crab Meat Dumplings Topped with Salmon Roe; and Steamed Porcini Mushroom Dumplings with Pickle Chill. Give the ‘Yum Cha’ a sweet ending with a Double-Boiled Superior Bird Nest Served with Coconut Milk, Almond Cream and Syrup, or Deep-Fried Sesame Dumplings Stuffed with Coffee Cream.

VistaJet flights from other parts of Asia can also enjoy special dishes from its other award-winning restaurant partners. For flights coming from Singapore, Michelin-starred restaurant Shang Palace has created a Lunar New Year menu including ‘Lo Hei,’ which means “prosperity toss” in Cantonese, a popular custom during Lunar New Year in Southeast Asia involving the festive Chinese dish, Yu Sheng.

The unique Lunar New Year gastronomy experience aboard VistaJet flights is further enhanced by its unparalleled onboard service. Its international Cabin Hosts are trained by the British Butler Institute and the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

Vista, as the parent company of VistaJet, is the world’s largest on demand provider for private flying with a Member’s fleet of more than 360 aircraft, including the largest fleet of Global 7500 aircraft, the world’s largest and longest-range business jet. VistaJet flies to over 1,900 airports in 187 countries, covering 96% of the world.