Vista records 18 per cent growth in Malaysian flight traffic
The aviation group expects Malaysia to keep outpacing Asia Pacific, where traffic grew 14 per cent in the first half of 2026.
Malaysia delivered an 18 per cent year-on-year rise in Vista’s flight traffic during the first half of 2026, the business aviation group reported. Chief business officer Youssef Mouallem linked the increase to Malaysian industrial activity and business travellers seeking flexibility and less time spent travelling.
In an interview with Business Times, Mouallem forecast that Malaysia would maintain its lead over regional growth during the second half of 2026, with a possible further acceleration. He said Vista was continuing to invest in Southeast Asia, where its growth exceeded the group’s global average.
VistaJet began operating in Malaysia in 2008, making it the company’s first Southeast Asian market. Vista’s businesses include VistaJet, which offers fleet-based services and membership programmes, and XO, a booking marketplace giving customers access to about 2,000 vetted aircraft worldwide.
Mouallem said younger customers were increasingly using private aviation, particularly in Asia. Of Vista’s new flyers in 2025, about 47 per cent were younger than 45. He said customers wanted faster aircraft access and the option to book nearer departure; the group’s average advance booking period had dropped to nine days from about 14 days.
Higher jet fuel prices had caused no significant change in demand for Vista’s flights, Mouallem said. He also called for industry-wide improvements in service, safety, governance and digitalisation to support further expansion of private aviation in Asia.
