XO, a major private aviation company, has introduced XO Firsts, a collection of once-in-a-lifetime member experiences. This includes access to some of the most in-demand sporting events, the most coveted cultural happenings, and desired destinations in the world. SherpaReport reached out to Leona Qi, President U.S. of parent company VistaJet.
“We have created XO Firsts to offer our members more travel possibilities and further enhance their Membership experience. Each First includes a complimentary beyond-the-jet travel opportunity designed to align with the passion points and travel interests of our innovative member community - including private viewing and personal interaction at sports and cultural events and relaxing getaways in unique locations,” said Leona Qi.
These opportunities will be announced monthly and exclusively to those who have joined XO Membership or XO Reserve.
A few of the XO Firsts experiences being presented to members in the coming months include:
Destination Dubai
Onboard a majestic Sunseeker Gulf Yacht, XO Members may enjoy a day of relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing. From the deck, they may enjoy a gourmet dinner as they take in views of the Burj Khalifa, and other buildings of the Dubai skyline.
All about art in Miami, Florida
Members receive the Golden Ticket to Romero Britto's Palace Studio and dine with Daniel Boulud. The receipt of the Golden Ticket is a personal invitation to Romero Britto’s Palace Studio for a private interactive tour where his art collection and his creative processes will be shown. Attend a private dinner hosted by Britto and prepared by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud.
SherpaReport spoke with Leona Qi, President U.S. of VistaJet. XO is a unit of Vista Global Holdings which also owns VistaJet.
SherpaReport: Which XO members are these opportunities available to - all XO members (Shared membership, membership, reserve) or some, and if so, which?
Ms. Qi: These once-in-a-lifetime opportunities will be announced monthly and exclusively to those who have joined XO Membership or XO Reserve — the private jet membership with the luxury of no limits.
SherpaReport: How do all these new benefits fit in with the luxury lifestyle brand partners, services, and experiences
Ms. Qi: When members join XO, they aren’t just receiving access to a network of 2,400 safety-vetted aircraft for flights anytime, anywhere. They are also gaining access to the XO community. XO Firsts is inspired by the passions of our growing member community. From the best sporting events to the most coveted cultural happenings to private getaways.
SherpaReport: You said, "XO Firsts will launch with its granting members unprecedented access to F1 race weekend in Austin, Texas, Art Basel in Miami, Florida, and a luxury yacht getaway in Dubai." Can you tell us more about when these events will be available? And how many days will they be? With the luxury yacht getaway, especially, how many days? And how long in advance would the XO First members have to make reservations?
Ms. Qi: F1 weekend in Austin, TX was from October 20 – 22; the first Member to claim and book round-trip flights by private jet, through XO received VIP paddock club passes for the full weekend and access to a one-night-only event to meet with the RR1 community and leaders in the motorsports industry.
The Luxury yacht getaway for single day will be presented during the month of November. The first Member to claim and book will be able to enjoy private access to a luxury Sunseeker yacht whereby day they can enjoy personal service. Art Basel in Miami, FL is from December 8 – 10; XO Firsts provides a one-day fully immersive experience with a private studio tour of Romero Britto’s Palace Studio and a private dinner hosted by Britto and prepared by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud.
SherpaReport: How did this idea - and its multiple facets come about? And when will the launch take place?
Ms Qi: The idea is inspired by our growing member community and their passions for sport, culture, and luxury travel. We launched this program in September 2023 ahead of the first XO Firsts experience in October.
SherpaReport: With the many experiences possible for the XO members, in which first class hotels or residences do the members stay?
Ms. Qi: Currently, XO Firsts is all about the roundtrip private flight experience and the enriching on-ground experiences, including VIP access to F1 race weekend in Austin, private studio tours of some of the world’s most coveted artist during Art Basel in Miami, and private luxury yachting in Dubai. Accommodations are not provided by XO.
SherpaReport: The latest press release says Daniel Boulud will prepare some of the meals - will the members have a chance to meet him, or other high-end chefs they may wish to meet?
Ms. Qi: Yes, the winning member will have the opportunity to meet with Chef Daniel Boulud over a private dinner.
SherpaReport: The luxury yacht in Dubai - I would guess they will be sailing on the Persian Gulf? Will they be staying on the yacht or at one of the hotels nearby?
Ms. Qi: The luxury yacht getaway is a day-long excursion along the Persian Gulf, inclusive of a morning through evening on the water and a gourmet dinner cooked and served by the best local chefs overlooking the Dubai skyline.
SherpaReport: If possible, what other experiences do you have planned, and when will they be rolled out?
Ms. Qi: You’ll have to stay tuned for more!
SherpaReport: OK, but as regards the year’s end which is coming up quickly, are there any experiences or events that you have planned that will coincide with the holiday season?
Ms. Qi: You’ll have to stay tuned for more! But all told, we have created XO Firsts to offer our members more travel possibilities and further enhance their Membership experience. Each First includes a complimentary beyond-the-jet travel opportunity designed to align with the passion points and travel interests of our innovative member community — including private viewing and personal interaction at sports and cultural events and relaxing getaways in unique locations.
Note: Many of the large private aviation companies offer their members exclusive benefits and experiences.These can include access to high profile sporting events, travel and hospitality partnerships, special expeditions, and a variety of high end lifestyle offerings.