VistaJet, a private jet charter firm used by F1 drivers and popstars, launched a wellness program. See how the elite fly on its $75 million Global 7500.
It's a small airport, but the lounge felt worlds away from your usual terminal, with a great view of the private jets taxiing and taking off.
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Because the business jet industry emphasizes privacy, the airport's security stopped us from taking photos of most of the aircraft. The one in the foreground is a Bombardier Challenger 350 owned by VistaJet.
Before touring the Bombardier Global 7500 — the largest business jet on the market — we learned about how VistaJet maximizes the luxury experience for its rich clientele.
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With 15 such aircraft, VistaJet has the largest fleet of Global 7500s. Their top speed isn't far off the speed of sound — Mach 0.925 or about 110 mph faster than a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, VistaJet is launching a wellness program. It enhances its already luxurious in-flight services plus introduces new destinations focused on well-being.
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One such destination is Bhutan, in partnership with luxury travel agency Pelorus. Cofounder Jimmy Carroll said it's not just about the location, but maximizing the experience: "Are you healthy enough to go heli-skiing in Antarctica? Are you ready to go to Bhutan and climb those mountains?"
Sam Churchill/Courtesy of VistaJet
Dr. Jordan Shlain from Private Medical recounted how a couple of clients had chest pains in the rural Bhutanese mountains. They had to be flown out for tests, so his firm gave the local doctors an electrocardiogram machine so it's easier to deal with such situations in the future.
While owning your own private jet may be the pinnacle of luxury for some, the logistical difficulties mean some would rather opt for a charter, said Matteo Atti, VistaJet's chief marketing officer.
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"After they buy a plane, they try for two years and they come to us because managing your own plane is very complex," Atti said. "And having an entire fleet of over 300 aircraft available is sometimes a much better option."
VistaJet customers can either pay for a one-off trip, or become members taking advantage of its fixed prices.
The program was devised after VistaJet's cabin hosts (as it calls flight attendants) observed customers' needs. Atti said rich clients won't request things but instead rely on staff to pick up on cues.
Sam Churchill/Courtesy of VistaJet
The cabin hosts are trained at exclusive schools like the British Butler Institute and Norland College for nannies, Atti said.
So the staff learn "how to read the movements or the actions of people to understand what their requirements are."
The new in-flight services include menus put together by VistaJet's nutritionist, Jenna Daou. She has consultations with the flyers to figure out their lifestyle and medical history to build a profile for them.
Sam Churchill/Courtesy of VistaJet
One of the set menus is inspired by the needs of Ferrari's Formula One drivers, with whom VistaJet has a partnership to fly them to and from races.
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As well as the "Performance Athlete Menu" created in collaboration with Charles Leclerc, there are also ones labeled Relax, Rejuvenate, and Revitalize.
Jordan Shlain, MD, the founder of Private Medical, helped advise the program's creation and flew in from California for the panel. He said that sleep, hydration, and moisturizing your skin are the most important things to help have a good flight.
Sam Churchill/Courtesy of VistaJet
VistaJet customers can access post-flight wellness guides put together by Shlain, for tips on hydration and managing jet lag.
Although he also spoke about the need for a deeper dive because, "everyone's biology and physiology are fundamentally unique to them."
The Global 7500 comes with a double bed in the back which obviously makes sleeping in the air much easier than on a commercial flight.
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The bedroom is stocked with a few books as well as some sleep oils from skincare firm De Mamiel.
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There are also Bonsoir pajamas, cashmere socks, and some slippers. Dr. Shlain spoke about the importance of wearing compression socks to prevent deep-vein thrombosis.
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On board, I found this booklet with some tips for minimizing jet lag. Most of them would be applicable to flying commercial, like picking the right foods and staying hydrated.
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One thing you can't get on commercial planes is the Global 7500's lower cabin pressure, equivalent to breathing at 4,000 feet.
Even the newest airliners like Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 are pressurized to around 6,000 feet.
The jet also came with a yoga mat and roller on board, bringing a mid-flight stretch in the aisle to a new level. And passengers have access to apps like Headspace for meditation and guided breathing.
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Some smaller private jets can feel cramped, but at 5'9" I thought there was plenty of space with the Global 7500's 6'2" cabin height.
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The Global 7500 seats 14 passengers. A light system in the cabin can simulate daytime which helps flyers adjust time zones.
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Bombardier's Nuage seats swivel, have a deep recline, and a tilted headrest. I've sat in first-class seats at air shows, but these felt like a step above.
Unique to the Global 7500, VistaJet gives flyers skincare products from Guerlain. It's one of the most expensive brands on the market, with some creams costing around $400.
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It comes with a booklet tutorial guiding passengers through the skincare routine. Cabin hosts are also trained by Guerlain to advise passengers.
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In between the bedroom and main seating area, the jet also has a TV room. The sofa can be changed into another double bed.
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And I couldn't resist a peek into the flight deck at the end of my time on board.
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