Thomas Flohr is the Chairman & Founder of VistaJet, a global aviation company that simplifies flying private via a unique approach to charters. Famous for its fleet of Bombardier jets, the company has flown passengers to over 2,400 airports in more than 95% of the countries in the world.
When he's not handling business affairs, the Swiss businessman and billionaire follows his passion for racing. He races in different GT racing series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship. Vistajet also happens to be a Scuderia Ferrari partner and that has opened the door for special perks for their members. We asked Thomas about VistaJet services, trends in flying private and racing in GT track machines.
What do you consider to be the most compelling reason to travel via private jets?
It’s simple—time. Time is the one thing none of us can make more of. Flying private is about taking control of your schedule, avoiding the stress of commercial travel, and arriving at your destination in the best possible state—physically and mentally. No waiting in lines, no delays, no wasted hours while traveling.
Tell us about VistaJet’s Private World program.
Our clients’ world is made of incredible moments made possible by a private flight. Private World offers unique opportunities for our Members, connecting them with like-minded people who share their passions. Through our Ferrari partnership, for example, Members get access to Formula 1 races and private dinners with the drivers —I recently hosted a dinner with Charles Leclerc in Dubai and before that, we had a dinner with Carlos Sainz in Las Vegas. We also organize things like personalized wine tours in unique vineyards or trips to destinations like Mozambique. Our team works with the best partners around the world to turn our Members’ vision into reality.
What trends are you seeing in the use of private jets?
The new wave of flyers values flexibility and global service over ownership. Forward-thinking companies aren’t interested in owning a depreciating asset, and younger travelers are not accepting the complexities of managing an aircraft—they just want access to a jet when and where they need it. That’s where the VistaJet model becomes superior, offering all the benefits of ownership without the headaches. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to fly, and it’s reshaping the industry for the better.
Wellness is something more people are paying attention to. Tell us about the VistaJet Wellness Program.
Fostering wellness is incredibly important, especially for our Members who spend a lot of time in the air. Flying can take a toll on both the body and mind— if you’re in the air a few times a week, jetlag can compromise your focus. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to create solutions to help our Members feel their best as they land. Using our resources, knowledge, and network, we’ve developed a series of pre-, post-, and in-flight wellness services: optimizing the cabin for sleep or providing recovery tools once you land—everything designed to keep our Members at the top of their game, so they arrive refreshed and ready to take on whatever’s next.
What would you say is the most important factor that contributed to the success of VistaJet?
It comes down to consistency, transparency, simplicity and innovation. Our Members know exactly what they’re paying for—there’s complete transparency in the hourly rates they’ve contracted, and they only pay for the hours they actually fly. That clarity and fairness resonate with our clients. Combine that with a consistently branded global fleet that delivers the same high-quality experience anywhere in the world, and you have a formula that works for every person who flies private. What truly sets us apart, though, is our service. It’s unmatched in the industry. Our crew undergoes rigorous training at the Vista Academy, where they master everything from safety protocols to delivering highly personalized service. Our people are the best in the business, and they’re key to ensuring that every flight is exactly as you dream of it.
What are the most challenging aspects of managing a private aviation company?
Private aviation operates at the intersection of precision, innovation, and highest level of service. It’s a complex and dynamic industry. Managing truly global operations, with a fleet that spans all continents and flying anytime and anywhere, requires impeccable logistics and a deep understanding of regional nuances. The challenge lies in maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability while constantly innovating to improve our delivery. The Vista culture is about thriving on the complexity and always looking for ways to do things better and push the boundaries of what’s possible in private aviation. That’s what makes us the best at what we do. At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure our Members get the best experience possible, no matter what it takes.
What are your thoughts on space tourism?
It’s early days, but it’s exciting to see how it’s developing. The new research that supports it is already creating new opportunities for technology and innovation. It’s fascinating to see how this will evolve, and how it will reflect on aviation overall.
VistaJet is actively involved in motorsports, and you also race as an individual. What’s most exciting and rewarding about motorsport participation?
My passion for motorsport mirrors my approach to business—it's about precision and performance over a long period of time (endurance) whilst pushing limits. Racing demands a combination of skill, focus, fitness at highest levels, and strategy, which I find incredibly rewarding. As a competitor, the thrill comes from the challenge and camaraderie on the track. For VistaJet, our involvement in motorsport is about aligning with values of excellence, speed and style and connecting with a community that appreciates the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Which race car would you say is your favorite and why?
That’s a tough one! I’d say the Ferrari F296 LMGT3 has it all. It’s not just about its speed but the whole experience—from the engineering to the way it handles on the track, its impeccable endurance performance and last not least it is an absolute beauty combining history and future design. It’s the perfect mix of design and performance. There’s something extraordinary about driving a machine that reflects the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering.
If you had to choose between an open-wheel racing series and a GT racing series, which would you choose and why?
Both have their unique appeal, but GT racing holds a special place for me. It combines endurance with teamwork and is more accessible for passionate drivers like me. The FIA WEC Championship I compare to what F1 was in the 90’s thoroughbred racing. The connection between the cars and the road version also brings an added dimension—it embodies the original way of racing.
