Thomas Flohr, 65-year-old founder, chairman, and CEO of VistaJet, has built a private aviation empire spanning 187 countries with access to over 270 customized business jets. His company, VistaJet, operates as a subscription-based service, offering clients an alternative to fractional jet ownership.
Flohr’s typical day begins at 8 a.m. with coffee and quiet time, though his schedule varies by location. When in St. Moritz, Switzerland, his mornings start with a shower and coffee before easing into work. He does not eat breakfast. Flohr’s primary responsibilities include building client relationships and setting the company’s strategic direction, with his role centered in VistaJet’s Dubai headquarters and 25 global offices.
Flohr’s career began in 1985 at a Chicago-based technology firm, where he rose through the ranks before acquiring most of the company’s European operations through Comprendium Investment. His frequent travel in the early 2000s revealed gaps in private aviation service quality, which he described as inconsistent and underwhelming despite clients paying $10,000 to $15,000 per hour. After exploring fractional ownership, he purchased a Learjet 60 in 2003, which became the foundation for VistaJet’s launch in 2004.
Flohr’s workday adapts to global time zones. In America, he starts earlier to align with European business hours, while in the Middle East, he works late into the night to overlap with both American and European schedules. His routine in St. Moritz includes clearing his inbox before transitioning into meetings and strategic planning. Outside of work, Flohr is known for ending his days in his at-home bowling alley and dining when locals do, reflecting his emphasis on local integration despite his global business operations.