Owning a jet is the ultimate status symbol... and that it offers comfort and convenience goes without saying. Even if you can’t buy one, you can rent it — or at least think about it!
Why buy a jet when you can buy flight hours You don’t need to buy a private jet. Luxury charter companies offer the option to buy flight hours in different packages. Companies such as Club One Air have special membership cards which come with added benefits. On the other hand, you could book a single flight and pay by the hour. Most companies provide online booking facilities.
Don’t buy a new jet
A pre-owned jet is likely to burn a smaller hole in your pocket than a new one.
A new one can cost anywhere upwards of R40 crore. A pre-owned jet certified by the DGCA and approved for safety standards leaves you a little extra dough to keep the engine running.
There’s a difference between private jets and NSOP jets Getting a Non-Scheduled Operators Permit (NSOP) as opposed to a private permit can save you 25% on import duties and spares when buying an aircraft. So, form an NSOP company, buy a few planes and use them when you feel like it. Or just go the charter route.
{{/usCountry}}There’s a difference between private jets and NSOP jets Getting a Non-Scheduled Operators Permit (NSOP) as opposed to a private permit can save you 25% on import duties and spares when buying an aircraft. So, form an NSOP company, buy a few planes and use them when you feel like it. Or just go the charter route.
{{/usCountry}}You can’t simply hop onto the plane Most charter operators or even privately owned jets need at least a couple of hours notice before you board. The necessary permission to take off must come from the airport authorities and they need to be notified at least five hours in advance. At military airports, like the one in Agra, the notification must be sent a day before the flight.
Rai is the director of a private jet charter company.
As told to Samar Khurshid