Six business jets on way to Adani Group

livemint.com:

₹300 crore to buy all six aircraft," said a top executive at a private jet operator company on the condition of anonymity. “The plane can fly to any part of the country and can also land on difficult runways under difficult conditions. So, it is an apt aircraft for domestic usage." The executive added that if the company had decided to buy new airplanes, six new Pilatus PC-24 would have cumulatively cost around ₹450 crore.

Queries sent to the Adani Group remained unanswered till press time. However, an Adani executive confirmed the purchase plan to Mint and said the planes will start arriving soon. He added that the deliveries are likely to be spread over a long period and can go up to 18 months for all six deliveries to arrive.

A private jet industry watcher, however, said the deliveries may be sooner, adding the company may be looking at putting its business jet aircraft for commercial usage. Another industry watcher, however, said commercial plans are unlikely. “Any company buying so many aircraft in one go would have meant that a plan to enter into the business jet renting space," the person said.

“[But] since it is the Adani Group, the company may be looking at using them for its captive requirements since it is expanding." According to industry estimates, India has about 150 business jets with large conglomerates owning most of these aircraft. Conglomerates like Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd own the most private jets in the country—their largest aircraft being the Airbus Charter Jet 319. Still, India’s tally is much lower than the estimated 3,500 business jets in the US, 970 in Mexico, 490 in Germany and 300 in Venezuela.