Yunus Dar

India’s civil aviation market may have grown tremendously over the years with a double-digit growth, but it has been a tough ride for the country’s chartered and private aircraft operators. The data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) shows that the number of such operators reduced from a peak of 147 in 2011-12 to 111 in 2017-18.

Dassault Falcon 7X business jet

India has registered 512 business aircraft and helicopters in the year 2017, with no significant growth since. The number is expected to grow to 868 by 2023. The business aviation sector contributed USD580 million to India’s GDP, this could grow to USD790 million by 2024. The sector employs whole range of technicians comprising aircraft owners, pilots, engineers, technicians, operations staff and regulators, a diverse sector which contributes directly and indirectly to the GDP in a significant manner.

Despite all the challenges, the charter plane aviation in India has been successful in overcoming numerous obstacles over the years. The sector has been more of a surviving business, with major companies striving to break even. Some of the challenges include lack of trained and qualified staff, a complex regulatory structure and work process, inadequate infrastructure and mounting operational costs, etc. being major hindrances in the sector.

Business aviation is not just about luxury, today it is more of a necessity, and is widely used by corporate houses for travel needs of their top executives. While commercial air travel would mean chaotic, overcrowded airports, with occasional delays, charter services help the businessmen to travel seamlessly saving time and pandemonium.

The global business aircraft market is dominated by companies like Bombardier, Gulfstream, Cessna Aircraft Company, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Honda Aircraft Company, Pilatus Aircraft, Piper Aircraft, Saab AB and Textron Aviation. The industry is expected to register a CAGR of approximately seven per cent by 2023.

Indian industrialists often prefer Gulfstream jets or Dassault Falcons,