VistaJet welcomed students from the Malta College of Arts Science and Technology's (MCAST) Aviation Studies course at the company's global Operations Centre in Luqa.

Students were given a glimpse of career opportunities at the first and only global aviation company. VistaJet's Chief Operating Officer, Nicholas van der Meer gave an account of the company's history and continued growth. Founded in 2004 with two aircraft, VistaJet has grown into a global fleet of 72 identically branded aircraft, with a team of 1,000 aviation experts organising flights for over 300,000 passengers to 1,600 airports across 187 countries, or 96 per cent of the world. In 2017, VistaJet further cemented its position as the leader in business aviation following its equity valuation in excess of $2.5 billion, making the company one of the top five European - and Malta's first - 'unicorn'.

Mr van der Meer commented: "We applaud MCAST for developing aviation courses that provide young people with a grounding in operations at a time when the European Business Aviation Association warns of a looming skills shortage in our sector of the industry. I've been highly impressed by the calibre of the MCAST graduates we've interviewed and I am looking forward to developing further our relationship with the college to provide internships and career opportunities."

Following their visit to VistaJet's Luqa headquarters, recent MCAST graduates, Andrea Cini (18) from Balzan and Birzebbuga based, Amanda Schembri (23), shared their experiences.

"It's an incredible place to work, as you are continuously working as a team to ensure customers safely reach their final destination while providing them with the best experience and service on every flight," said Andrea Cini. "What, I really like about VistaJet is that no one day is the same. Unlike commercial aviation where there are set routes between destinations, VistaJet can, with just 24 hours' notice, can fly customers to and from virtually anywhere in the world."

Amanda Schembri, who, after graduating from MCAST joined VistaJet's Crew Planning Department last autumn added: "What I love is that alongside many colleagues from Malta there are people from over 50 different nationalities working for the company across the world. I hope to have a long career here with a view to move into management one day."

Kenneth Formosa Ventura, VistaJet's Director of Human Resources, commented, "Bright and talented young people are vital to the long-term success and sustainability of VistaJet. This is why we are so committed to develop a strong relationship with MCAST. Employing graduates will give many young people the chance to take their first steps in what we hope will be long and successful careers. As a forward thinking and innovative company, we strongly believe that these graduates safeguard our knowledge for the future. They are our up-and-coming talent, prospective employees and maybe even future members of management."

Godwin Grech, MCAST'S Aviation Lecturer added, "I would like to thank VistaJet for a very interesting and fruitful visit. I also express my gratitude for offering apprenticeships and work opportunities to our students, thus investing in their future."