Twitter
Advertisement

Now, get a leg-up on empty-leg flights

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Empty-leg flights operated by private charters are catching on in India. They aren't exactly cheap, but can certainly give you the luxury of flying by a private jet at a fraction of the real cost, say industry experts.

What are empty legs?

"Empty legs" are private jet flights that are operating empty on one way, either returning empty after they have ferried someone, somewhere, or are flying empty to pick up someone from somewhere.

The private charter company informs a mediator about the availability of such an empty flight and the mediator puts out an alert
on this to its clientele, who are mainly corporates.

What's the deal for flyers?

"If you hop on to 'empty leg' you could save up to 75 per cent on the standard charter charge. It's a cost-effective option if you're flexible on timings and routes and open to a last-minute deal," said Karthik, flight operations manager with Flyair Charters, which deals in empty-leg flights.

All other standards of service on the 'empty leg' are identical to those provided on a normal private charter, say industry experts. In addition the range of options is wide, as private charters fly to almost any place, even remote locations.

Why are charter operators excited?

For the charter operators, it is extra revenue over and above the money earned on the regular booked flight and there's no additional cost.

Archit Gupta, head of operations at Whistler Aviation, a private charter operating company, says, "This has become a trend abroad, but it is catching up here recently."

Is there reason to be optimistic?

Experts believe that this system will grow and they back this belief on the steady growth of the private charter business which has increased 300 per cent over the past decade.

The private charters include fixed wing aircraft as well as helicopters.

Fares depend on the distance and the journey schedule. "Unlike commercial airlines where the fares increase nearer to the date of departure, the reverse is true for 'empty legs'," said Gupta.

Saptarshi Chhaterjee, manager with MAB aviation, a Juhu based private charter firm, said that the signs were encouraging but it would take some years for the business to evolve to the scale in some foreign countries.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement