From the Editor-in-Chief

Dear Reader,

The Indian business aviation sector is on the cusp of significant growth, and this edition of BizAvIndia encapsulates the positive momentum within the industry. Harsh Vardhan Sharma, President of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), outlines the association’s priorities, which include advocating for a uniform Five per cent GST rate for non-scheduled and helicopter operators, addressing the infrastructure needs for smaller aircraft and helicopters, and ensuring that safety regulations are practical and conducive to growth. A letter from him elaborating on BAOA’s efforts to bolster the industry’s growth in India is featured in this edition.

In a detailed analysis, Swaati Ketkar highlights the surge in India’s business aviation industry, with the growth rate of the business jet fleet increasing from a modest 1-2 per cent between 2010 and 2021 to an impressive 10-12 per cent from 2022 onwards. The report sets the stage for what the industry anticipates from the new Minister of Civil Aviation, particularly the need for a supportive environment that fosters private charter sector growth through regulatory ease, infrastructure development, and proactive policy measures. Rohit Goel’s report on the newly inaugurated General Aviation Terminal at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, offers insights into how this state-of-the-art facility is set to redefine luxury and convenience in private aviation. Hyderabad GA terminal joins the ranks of similar facilities at Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi airports, reflecting the growing demand for luxury and efficiency in private aviation across India.

This edition also delves into the global business aviation scene, spotlighting leading players such as Gulfstream and Pilatus. The all-new Gulfstream G400 successfully completed its first flight recently, officially launching the flight test programme and further expanding Gulfstream’s ultramodern, high-technology family of next-generation aircraft. Ayushee Chaudhary gives a holistic view of the aircraft on how G400 defines a new standard with the highest performance and greatest comfort ever experienced in this segment.

Swiss engineering skills and ingenuity are on full display with the new Pilatus PC-24 that was introduced with more range and a higher payload plus a range of new interior options. With these innovations, Pilatus has taken their super versatile jet PC-24 to a new level as the customers will enjoy significantly more flexibility. A detailed look at the aircraft and the possibilities with it, are covered by Ayushee Chaudhary in this issue.

Ayushee Chaudhary’s show report on the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow highlights the event’s enduring significance as a hub for innovation, partnerships, and cutting-edge aerospace advancements. One of the standout features of this year’s airshow was the emphasis on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a revolutionary concept poised to reshape the future of aerospace mobility which has been highlighted in this edition.

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