BJets, a business aviation company backed by the Tata group, will take to the skies in the next two months, offering fractional and block charters to corporates and individuals.
It will offer fractional and block charters to corporates, individuals
MUMBAI: BJets, a business aviation company backed by the Tata group, will take to the skies in the next two months, offering fractional and block charters to corporates and individuals.
The company has received its first aircraft and is modifying it to suit Indian specifications. Three more aircraft deliveries are expected in the next two weeks. BJets’ chief executive
Mark Baier said that in the next two months, the company would operate at a low scale for “friends and family” to fix its systems. “We will be operational commercially post that,” he said.
The Tata group is a partner in BJets through its hospitality venture Indian Hotels. Tatas’ stake and the amount it invested in the company have not been disclosed. The Briley group, a privately-held company with offices in Singapore and the US, is the majority shareholder.
Though BJets will be based in Mumbai, it will operate out of the GMR Hyderabad International Airport at Shamsabad and also offer business aviation services from Singapore. Baier expects South-East Asia to contribute 30% to the company’s revenue.
It may also offer aircraft management services in India.
Baier felt the country has been underserved when it comes to business aviation. “From a wealth-creation perspective, India is second to none. We’re expecting a lot of demand from multinationals. Even aircraft owners have shown interest in chartering with us.
Some of the big names in entertainment and sports in India could be our potential customers,” he said.
BJets has already committed to orders worth a billion. This year, it signed a 40-jet deal worth $600 million at the Singapore Air Show. The aircraft ordered include 20 Cessna Citation CJ2+ jets and 20 Hawker 850XP and 900XP jets with options for 10 more.
The firm has also ordered 10 Hawker 4000 business jets worth over $330 million. Baier added that BJets may convert the options for additional Hawker aircraft into firm orders soon.
n_john@dnaindia.net
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