From the Editor-in-Chief

Dear Reader,

In this edition of BizAvIndia, we have an insightful letter from Harsh Vardhan Sharma, President of BAOA, addressing critical issues in General Aviation and Business Aviation (GA/BA). Sharma highlights BAOA’s ongoing efforts to resolve itemised ground handling charges for NSOP/GA at public airports and the push to abolish the 2.5 per cent import duty on NSOP aircraft, alongside addressing GST-related concerns.

Business aviation plays a crucial role in economic development, community support, technological advancement, and humanitarian efforts. Sudhir Rajeshirke’s article delves into these contributions, emphasising the positive impact of general aviation on modern society. In another feature, Swaati Ketkar explores how BA/GA can be a catalyst for economic growth and by acknowledging the economic and social advantages of business aviation and enacting supportive policies, governments can cultivate an environment conducive to growth and bolster the overall economy.

Gulfstream Aerospace has commenced customer deliveries for the highly anticipated Gulfstream G700, marking a new chapter in business aviation, with the delivery of two aircraft to Qatar Executive making them the first Gulfstream customer of this ultramodern aircraft, featuring bespoke cabins designed to meet the highest standards. The aircraft had just recently received both FAA and EASA type certifications, unlocking deliveries for many international customers and confirming performance enhancements for range, speed, and cabin altitude. Rohit Goel reports on this significant milestone for Gulfstream Aerospace in the issue.

This edition also features Ayushee Chaudhary’s comprehensive report on EBACE 2024, Europe’s premier business aviation event showcasing the latest advancements in BizAv technologies. This year’s gathering wasn’t just about the industry’s progress but served as a launchpad for the future with a core focus on the exciting world of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) – electric, hydrogen, and hybrid-powered vehicles poised to revolutionise transportation. Attendees witnessed a flurry of significant deals, captivating aircraft displays, and groundbreaking announcements. Sustainability was another major theme, with companies showcasing advancements that aim to minimise the environmental impact of business aviation.

In an exclusive interview, Arun Kashyap discusses the underserved nature of India’s charter segment, announcing his new venture, Sirius India Airlines, in partnership with UAE-based Airavat Aviation. This move promises to address the gaps and set new benchmarks in the private charter market.

Starting this issue, we’ve implemented a new, reader-friendly font for improved readability. We hope you will enjoy the new reading experience!

All this and more in this issue of BizAvIndia. Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!