Own a jet,and the runway too

Private jet owners in India might be allowed their own airport and runways. The government is working on a policy that will make it possible soon. In view of the growing number of private jets in the country, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to support this segment, referred to as general aviation in the international market.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation plans to set up separate terminals for private jet owners in metros. In smaller towns, a private airport and an airstrip might be permitted. Currently, there are around 130 private jets in the country. This number is expected to swell in the coming years.

CEOs who own at least one private jet include Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries, Anil Ambani of Reliance ADAG, Vijay Mallya of the UB Group, G. Mallikarjuna Rao of GMR Industries and K. P. Singh of DLF.

With the economy on a roll, India has emerged as a key market for private jet manufacturers who are targeting companies in the real estate business, SEZ developers and hoteliers. As Indian companies expand globally, CEOs are realising that private jets not only provide comfort, but also convenience.