On the third day of the Monaco Yacht Show 2024 (MYS 2024), the world of luxury aviation took center stage as VistaJet and Bombardier marked two decades of partnership, innovation, and unparalleled service.
At the newly opened Bombardier Aviator Lounge, industry leaders, visionaries, and special guests from the yachting world gathered for a dynamic roundtable discussion that explored the future of luxury travel and the interconnectedness between private aviation and yachting.
The event served as both a celebration and a forward-looking conversation, touching on trends, technological advancements, and the changing demands of UHNWIs.
Moderated by Kevin Koenig, a prominent writer for Boat International, Robb Report, and The New York Times, the discussion featured key figures from the private aviation and yachting industries at the MYS 2024.
Among them were Matteo Atti, Chief Marketing Officer at VistaJet, Simon Rochefort, Vice President of Sales and Development at VistaJet, and Bombardier’s Mathieu Noël, Director of Product Strategy and Sustainability, along with Ettore Rodaro, Vice President of Regional Sales Europe.
Innovation, technology, and the evolving client experience – MYS 2024
Matteo Atti underscored the importance of staying attuned to client preferences, explaining that VistaJet’s philosophy centres on adapting to changes at the pace of its customers. “There is no point in being ahead of the curve of the customer,” Atti noted, emphasizing the balance between cutting-edge technology and client demand. VistaJet’s focus on customer-centric solutions includes apps that streamline booking and food delivery, ensuring personalized experiences tailored to each client’s needs. One standout innovation is the daylight simulation system, designed to minimize the effects of jet lag by pushing the boundaries of luxury travel.
Bombardier’s contributions to private aviation were also front and centre at the roundtable. Mathieu Noël and Ettore Rodaro discussed the company’s emphasis on sustainability, particularly with its flagship aircraft, the Global 7500 and 8000. This seamless integration of sustainability and cutting-edge technology positions Bombardier as a leader in luxury aviation, offering clients unmatched experiences while minimizing environmental impact.
The interplay of aviation and yachting
In an engaging segment, the roundtable shifted focus to the growing connection between private aviation and yachting. Special guests Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts, and Camilla Calza, Marketing Director of Benetti Yachts, provided unique insights into how both industries cater to the same demanding clientele. As Kurtén pointed out, since both the yachts and aviation ecosystems are extremely scarce, it is pivotal to understand client desires across both domains.
The younger generation of UHNWI clients, Kurtén explained, is increasingly focused on lifestyle continuity between their aviation and yachting experiences. Yachts today are designed with social spaces, wellness areas, and opportunities for adventure in mind, allowing clients more personalized and experience-driven journeys. Camilla Calza echoed this sentiment, stressing that the yacht design process starts with a deep understanding of the client’s lifestyle. Every detail, from the selection of tenders and water toys to the inclusion of fine dining experiences, is tailored to meet the client’s vision.
The Bombardier Aviator Lounge: a new hub of innovation
Adding to the significance of the roundtable was its setting, meaning the newly opened Bombardier Aviator Lounge, designed by renowned Parisian architect Andrea Mosca. The lounge reflects Bombardier’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and technological excellence and features design elements inspired by several brand’s aircraft innovations.
The strategic choice of location provided a rare glimpse into the future of luxury travel, where the boundaries between private aviation and yachting continue to blur. With a shared focus on customer experience management, both industries are poised to evolve in response to the changing preferences of UHNWIs.
How do you stay in tune with changing client expectations and needs?
MEPA is the study of UHNWI customer priorities. Founded by Professor Dr Phil Klaus, it explains what matters most and why.
If you would like to know how aligned your ultimate luxury experience design and execution is to the MEPA framework, contact [email protected].
