Airnetz targets SMEs with low-cost charter planes

Mumbai: Airnetz Aviation, a Mumbai-based business aviation firm, is seeking to expand the scope of business aviation in India by gunning for small and medium enterprises for its private charter service.
Atul Khekade, co-founder and chief executive officer, Airnetz Aviation, told DNA Money, “We want to make business aviation come within the reach of a large number of small businesses.
Currently they may be using business class in airlines, but for a small premium we want to make charter aviation affordable to them. None of these companies would be able to spend Rs 1 crore on other business models like fractional ownership. Business aviation makes sense when the audience is broader.”
“Indian SMEs do not charter planes that cost Rs 3,75,000 per hour. Airnetz offers turboprops at Rs 65,000 per hour for 6 passengers.
These aircrafts can fly to even the smallest airports. Chartering turboprops is the biggest growth market in India, increasing at over 50%,” Khekade said.
Airnetz also has the different business model of not owning aircraft but just marketing them. The company is creating franchisees by tying up with owners of small jets, which will then be marketed through Airnetz. Its fleet will consist of both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
05/07/08 Nirmal John/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Jul 2008, New Jul 2008