Hyderabad Unveils General Aviation Terminal

On September 2, 2024, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, operated by the GMR group, unveiled a new General Aviation (GA) Terminal specifically designed for private jet owners and users. This state-of-the-art facility aims to redefine luxury and convenience in private aviation, catering to passengers traveling on chartered flights for both business and personal purposes.

SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE

The new GA terminal, covering 11,234 square feet, is strategically situated adjacent to the main RGIA terminal. It features an impressive architectural design that combines classical, Indo-Saracenic, and Indo-Gothic styles, creating an ambiance of both elegance and comfort. This distinctive blend of traditional and modern design elements sets a new benchmark for luxury in private aviation facilities.

The terminal includes a private entrance and dedicated parking area, providing maximum convenience from the moment passengers arrive. This exclusive access streamlines the travel process, allowing for a smooth transition from the car park to the aircraft.

Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport, emphasised the significance of the new facility. “We are thrilled to unveil our latest offering, a premium General Aviation Terminal at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Hyderabad is one of the thriving economic powerhouses with the second highest concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and thriving pharmaceutical and IT industries. Development of Global Capability Centers in the region by MNCs has boosted private jet movements. Redefining the flying experience, this new facility will set a new standard for an extraordinary travel experience. The terminal will serve as an extension of luxury for many of our frequent HNI travelers, offering unparalleled comfort, convenience, and bespoke services. With our commitment to providing a world-class experience for our travelers, we are committed to enhancing excellence in the years to come.”

PREMIUM AMENITIES AND BESPOKE SERVICES

The GA terminal is equipped with a range of high-end amenities and services tailored to both domestic and international general aviation passengers. The facility features a luxurious lounge and a private lounge area, allowing passengers to relax in comfort before their flight. The design of these lounges emphasises tranquility and privacy, providing a refined environment for high-profile travelers.

A key feature of the terminal is its dedicated arrival and departure corridors, which ensure that passengers move through the facility with minimal delays. The check-in process is streamlined for efficiency, complemented by seamless emigration and immigration facilities. Customs checks and hand baggage processing are integrated into the experience, ensuring that all security protocols are met without compromising convenience.

THIS NEW TERMINAL IN HYDERABAD CATERS TO THE GROWING DEMAND FOR LUXURY AND EFFICIENCY IN PRIVATE AVIATION ACROSS INDIA AND JOINS SIMILAR HIGHEND FACILITIES AT DELHI, MUMBAI, AND KOCHI AIRPORTS

For added security and compliance, the terminal includes a breath analyzer test facility for crew members. The staff lounge offers a comfortable space for airline personnel, while duty-free shopping options provide additional luxury and convenience. High-speed, dedicated Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, ensuring that passengers remain connected throughout their stay. One of the most notable aspects of the GA terminal is the chauffeur-driven service that transports passengers directly to and from their aircraft. This personalised service eliminates the need for queuing and minimises delays, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport’s new General Aviation Terminal is poised to further elevate the standards for private aviation facilities. It is set to transform the travel experience for private aircraft users and setting a benchmark for excellence by offering unparalleled comfort, efficiency, and luxury. As Hyderabad continues to strengthen its position as a key economic center, this facility is poised to cater to the needs of the city’s affluent travelers, ensuring a premium and seamless journey.

GENERAL AVIATION TERMINALS ACROSS INDIA

The new GA terminal at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport joins premier facilities of Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi airports for private aviation in India, each designed to cater to the specific needs of private jet users with a focus on luxury and efficiency.

Delhi. India’s first General Aviation terminal facility for Private Jets was started in October 2020 when GMR led Delhi Airport launched India’s first exclusive General Aviation terminal facility for private jets. The terminal was built with an aim to support the movement and processing of passengers flying through chartered flights from the airport. This facility offers exclusive city side car parking and convenient access from and to the city. The terminal caters to 150 Private Jet movements on a daily basis, including Code C type aircraft.

This GA terminal at Delhi Airport is a modern and striking space with an enjoyable range of facilities like spacious passenger lounges, retail and F&B sections, 24x7 personal concierge services common processing area with Customs and Immigration and immediate access to private jet aircraft stands from the Terminal. Besides, it also has an access control system, Wi-Fi enabled services, IT system integrated with overall Delhi Airport’s platform, perimeter security control system, etc to provide a rich and personalised experience to the passengers. The Terminal can handle over 50 passengers every hour, thus ensuring that passengers board their flights on time, every time. With the GA Terminal and the newly developed General Aviation Aircraft Parking stands being co-located, passengers find it more convenient to travel to and from the aircraft for boarding or deboarding in no time. The newly developed Apron is spread over 8 lakhs sq ft area with 57 dedicated bays for parking of General Aviation Aircraft.

Mumbai. Starting November, 2022, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai introduced its all-new, revamped General Aviation (GA) terminal for private jets, offering luxury and convenience at its best to its travellers. Guests are warmly welcomed at the resplendent reception area by attentive and friendly staff on call 24x7, the terminal offers expansive lounges with butler service all complemented with a curated menu of super-food lite bites, a stylish bar to global cuisine served via a buffet and as per an a la carté menu.

Guests can reserve the meeting and conference room facilities with state-of-the-art audio and video aids in advance. From essential business requests to indulging when on leisure travel, CSMIA’s GA terminal, spread over 753.26 sq. mt redefines luxury. The terminal has been built with an aim to support the movement and processing of passengers flying through chartered flights from the airport. The all-new GA terminal at Mumbai Airport is a modern and stellar space that prioritises the safety, security and well-being of passengers at all times. The terminal offers efficient processing area with Customs and Immigration and immediate access to private jet aircraft stands from the Terminal. Besides, having access control system, Wi-Fi enabled services, IT system integrated systems, passengers are efficiently processed through all interaction points such as enabling the boarding pass, dedicated porter service, check in and hand baggage processing, with minimum waiting period. In addition, the terminal is fully accessible to passengers with special needs and passengers with reduced mobility.

The Terminal can handle over 50 passengers every hour, thus ensuring that passengers board their flights on time, every time. With the GA Terminal and the General Aviation Aircraft Parking stands being co-located, passengers find it more convenient to travel to and from the aircraft for boarding or deboarding in no time.

Kochi. In just 14 months since its inception in December 2022, the Cochin International Airport’s Business Jet Terminal (General Aviation Terminal catering to exclusive chartered flight operations) has achieved the remarkable feat of facilitating 1,000 business jet operations. Spanning over 40,000 square feet, the biggest of its kind in the country, the business jet terminal located at Terminal 2 stands as the architype of modernity and luxury in the country. Serving both international and domestic chartered flights, the business jet terminal has facilities like conference halls, lounges, restaurant, and personalised luggage handlers. Under the tagline ‘Fly Elegantly’ facilitating a commuter transfer from Aircraft Door to Car Door in 2 Minutes, the terminal has quickly gained popularity among corporate clients nationwide. Additionally, the terminal boasts separate customs and immigration counters along with a boutique duty-free shop catering to international passengers. During the G20 meeting held at Lakshadweep in April 2023, the terminal witnessed the arrival of a dozen-chartered planes from various countries. In the first two months of year 2024 alone, the CIAL Business Jet Terminal has handled an impressive 120 services, and the numbers are projected to exceed 1,200 by the end of this year.

NEED FOR GA TERMINALS

The launch of Delhi Airport’s General Aviation Terminal in October 2020 marked a significant milestone in fulfilling the long-standing demands of India’s elite, providing a dedicated facility for their private jets. Since then, similar terminals have started at major airports like Mumbai, Kochi and now Hyderabad. Offering quicker turnaround times for business jets and chartered planes, these terminals spare private jets the hassle of competing for taxiing slots with commercial flights at general passenger terminals. Each of these terminals highlight the growing emphasis on enhancing the travel experience for private jet users across India. With a strong focus on luxury, efficiency, and exceptional service, they set new standards in the industry and cater to the needs of a discerning clientele. This development has set the stage for the rapid growth of India’s general aviation sector and with the support of such high-end infrastructure, the industry is poised to thrive, contributing to the nation’s economy.