Kerala billionaire TS Kalayanaraman is now proud owner of the state's first private jet

When he speaks from his modest office that has plywood paneling, a table that easily discloses its age and a collection of idols around, Kalyan Jewellers chairman and managing director T S Kalayanaraman reflects the no-frills, but business-like attitude in his approach.
"A private jet is not a luxury; it is a necessity," says he, explaining how he and his family have found managing their ever-expanding chain of jewellery outfits increasingly difficult owing to poor air connectivity.
The group's 30-strong jewellery chain is spread across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry, but to keep a close eye on business is tough, owing to poor commuting options, he argues.
"We are very particular that we should regularly go to all our outlets, and meet up with employees and customers. Video conferencing is one option, but not the ideal one. Commuting to small towns like Hubli, Belgaum or Tirupati takes days simply because of air connectivity issues, and that has influenced our decision to go for a private jet."
Kalyanaraman opted for the Embraer Phenom 100 because it can land in some of the smallest airstrips in the country, which in business terms means that some 250 cities and towns that have an airport become potential business centres for the group.
The glamourous Phenom with a peacocky snout has its interiors done by BMW in Brazil, and comes with a gross price tag of Rs 30 crore, which comprises a significant 18% in Customs duties, and actual flying costs roughly Rs 50,000 per hour.
The seven-seater jet needs annual maintenance worth roughly Rs 2.5 crore that includes pilots' salaries and office expenses at the Cochin International Airport, but all that do not bother the boss of the Rs 8,500-crore jewellery group.
11/02/12 Joe A Scaria/Economic Times

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Categories: ndian Aviation- In General Feb 2012