Since 25 March, and as the Covid-19 epidemic has spread around the world, the operator VistaJet has set up a crisis unit to support the needs of personal and freight transport. In an interview with BBC News, Thomas Flohr, CEO of Vistajet said he would make available his fleet of 115 aircraft currently in service, as well as its infrastructure, and work directly with governments and consulates around the world to help them repatriate their citizens by offering free empty flights. « To further ensure that officials are able to keep their response plans as prompt as possible, the Company is assisting with the complex logistics of the necessary permits and paperwork. » states the company in a press release.
In order to offset the decline in commercial aviation activity, particularly in the cargo sector, VistaJet also indicates that it is in talks with medical organisations, health experts and regulatory bodies to identify various transport aid options, particularly for the supply of essential medical equipment. At the same time, the operator is proposing to offer empty flights for medical teams to the locations needed to fight the pandemic.
For Thomas Flohr, the stakes are high : « This is an unusual time and one that we must all work together where possible to do whatever we can to help. We know we don’t normally offer repatriation flights or the transportation of medical equipment, but ultimately, we are a logistics company and we are here to help the global community as much as we can. We are in this fight together. »
In order to channel all requests from governments and medical organizations, the company has created a dedicated web page to ensure prioritization, handle the most critical cases and manage the relevant safety screening. https://www.vistajet.com/en-gb/community-support/
