As an Avgeek myself, I have seen those sleek, shiny private planes parked close to the hangar as I disembarked after my flight.
I have always been curious about what flying one of those would be like and how private flying would be different from commercial flying.
Everything About Private Jets Pilots
Demand for private flying skyrocketed, particularly during the pandemic. More people and businesses sought the advantages of private aviation, such as its flexibility and safety. As a result, there was a significant need for qualified pilots for luxury flights.
Despite its difficulties, the pandemic fueled the growth of private aviation. When there were few commercial flights available, anyone who could afford it, preferred to fly privately. It provided better service, the ability to fly on short notice, and less exposure to crowds.
Heavy jets and bizliners have greater operating and hourly costs per passenger than turboprops, mid-sized, and light planes. However, heavier jets and bizliners offer a higher flying range, speed, and greater cabin space for passenger convenience and pleasure. There is demand for corporate leaders wishing to make several meetings in as little time as possible, given the availability of business aviation carriers.
A private jet can be a personal time machine that allows you to reclaim valuable hours that would otherwise be wasted in transit or waiting for your next commercial connection by flying from smaller airports at times that work for you and arriving closer to your destination.
The private aviation sector is expanding and pilots are essential to ensuring that flights are both safe and enjoyable. Because more people are flying privately, pilots have excellent job opportunities. They join a rapidly evolving industry and earn a good salary.
Flying a private aircraft has a wide spectrum of options, from working one or two days per month to being on and off seven days a week while also being on call all the time. You can even spend four days at an all-inclusive resort waiting for a rich person to want to return home or spend an entire day in the FBO waiting for what to do next.
Private Jets Market in India
The private jet charter market stands out as a ray of hope and expansion in the quickly changing Indian aviation sector. Effective and luxurious travel choices are in high demand, as the India Aviation Market is expected to nearly double by 2030, reaching an astounding $26.08 billion.
Also Read: Indian Private Charter JetSetGo Orders 280 New Aircraft worth $1.3Bn
By 2030, there will likely be 200 private business aircraft in India, up from the current 140. Because of their comfort, privacy, and convenience, private jets have become more and more popular since the pandemic. The private jet charter industry is primed for takeoff in the next five years. For the records, there are around 3,500 business jets in the US, 970 in Mexico, 490 in Germany, and 300 in Venezuela.
In India, the main demand for charter flights is from corporates, cricket teams, and VIPs who need to move people in and out of a destination quickly and without the hassle of flying on a scheduled operator. There have been several high-profile events in recent years, including the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya, the India vs. Pakistan cricket match in Ahmedabad, and most recently, the pre-wedding and wedding celebrations hosted by Mukesh Ambani for his son.
Also Read: New Ayodhya Airport to See Surge in Private Charter Amid Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha
Private jets and private charters were used more frequently to transport guests and attendees during all of those events. In keeping with the trend, some corporations have also bought private jets as a time-saving measure. A Statista report estimates that over $24 billion was spent on business jets in 2020, with the market expected to grow to $37 billion by 2028.
A first-of-its-kind accomplishment in the nation has been planned with the introduction of hybrid-electric aircraft into its fleet, and recent trends indicate a bright and promising future for this private aviation industry sector.
Private Jet Pilots
For those AvGeeks like me, who are passionate and fueled by aviation, the world of private jet piloting is a singular and exciting career that provides an experience that cannot be matched. Being a private jet pilot is a dream for many of us because of the freedom to explore the skies, the high-profile customers, and the appeal of luxury travel.
In India, a Corporate or a Charter Pilot (Private Plane Pilot) can earn about 15 to 70 LPA and sometimes even reach 1 Crore INR, if you are flying for a Millionaire or more if flying Billionaire!
Interesting Read!! How Much is the Salary of Commercial Pilots in India? – Aviation A2Z
The Life of a Private Jet Pilot
Being a Private Jet Pilot offers unique experiences that are far different from those of a Commercial Airline Pilot, and it can be both exhilarating and challenging. Here are a few of them–
- Travel: Pilots of private jets frequently visit a wide range of destinations, many of which are exclusive or far away. For affluent customers, celebrities, or business leaders, they operate smaller, and more luxurious aircraft. This means they go to places all over the world, but plans might change drastically and journeys can be erratic.
- Irregular Hours: Pilots must be prepared to fly at short notice, and clients frequently request last-minute flights, so the job demands a lot of flexibility. Depending on the demands of the clients, this may cause disruptions to daily routines, including erratic hours and extended stays away from home.
- Smaller Teams: Private jet pilots usually operate alone or with smaller teams, which means they handle extra duties like setting up fuel, organizing ground services, or making sure the aircraft is stocked and prepared.
- Pay and Benefits: Private jet pilots typically make more money than their commercial parallels, particularly if they fly for well-known customers or in-demand businesses. They might also take advantage of benefits like first-class lodging, VIP travel, and connections with influential people.
- Luxurious Environment: Working in the private aviation sector entails being in a more upscale, private setting. Pilots deal directly with customers, who might anticipate excellent service and discretion. This can be both challenging and rewarding.
- Job satisfaction: Because of the range of locations and the exclusivity of their work, many private jet pilots express high levels of job satisfaction. The pressure to always be available and the absence of a set timetable, however, could be difficult for certain people.
How are Private Jet Pilots hired?
Owners of private jets can choose to have their own certified pilots fly their aircraft, giving them some degree of control and customization over their journey.
On the other hand, charter services are an option for individuals without a jet but who can afford to fly privately. The ease of on-demand flying is given by charter services, in which the charter business assigns pilots according to the owner’s travel requirements. For people who might not need to travel frequently or who would rather not be responsible for hiring and overseeing their own pilots, this is the best choice.
Here are some common approaches–
- Direct Hiring: Pilots and crew may be hired directly by owners. This entails finding, screening, and hiring employees to work solely for the owner. Although it necessitates more management and compliance work, this alternative offers greater control over the personnel.
- Charter Services: Several owners make use of charter firms that offer crew and pilots as part of their offerings. This eliminates the need for full-time hiring and provides flexibility and access to seasoned staff.
- Management Companies: A few owners employ management firms for their aircraft. The recruiting of pilots and crew, maintenance, scheduling, and regulatory compliance are all handled by these companies.
- Partnerships and Shared Ownership: In shared ownership or partnership situations, pilot and crew management may be done jointly, frequently by an agreement between owners or a management firm.
- Flight Departments: To handle their aviation requirements, larger businesses or individuals with several aircraft may set up their own flight departments and hire a full-time staff of pilots and crew.
Cost, flexibility, and operational control are some of the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. Usually, owners select the choice that best suits their operational preferences, financial constraints, and frequency of flights. No matter what the approach is, owners are responsible for making sure that all pilots and crew fulfill the training and license standards established by the aviation regulator, DGCA.
Top Charter Companies in India
Private jet charters are becoming more and more popular in India, where a number of businesses provide executive and luxury jet services. The following are a few of India’s leading private jet charter businesses:
- JetSetGo: It is also referred to as the “Uber of the Skies.” It serves wealthy people and business clients by providing a large selection of aircraft, ranging from small jets to long-haul aircraft. They offer helicopter charters as well. Visit: https://jetsetgo.in
- Club One Air: One of India’s oldest and most respected private jet firms, Club One Air was founded in 2005. It caters to both business and private customers and has a sizeable fleet of jets, including big and mid-size passenger aircraft.
- Air Charter Services (ACS): Private jet, cargo, and group charter services are offered by ACS. Known for their dependability and wide-ranging global network, they provide a variety of aircraft for both personal and professional use.
- Air Charter International: It is a Dubai-based company that provides a wide range of private jet services in India. With a focus on corporate travel, VIP services, and medical evacuations, they offer customized jet and helicopter charter solutions.
- Taj Air: A member of the Tata Group, Taj Air provides opulent private jet services. It is renowned for providing high-end in-flight experiences to prominent people and business professionals.
- Airnetz Charter: It is a private jet and helicopter on-demand service that provides flexible and reasonably priced solutions for both domestic and international travel. Its main goal is to increase the number of people who can afford private aviation.
- Global Jet International: It has been offering customized private jet services since 2004 with an emphasis on business and wealthy customers. They provide jets for special events, medical crises, and corporate travel.
All the above companies serve individuals, businesses, and government agencies, offering everything from urgent medical evacuations to luxury trips.
In essence, every facet of private, business, and charter jets in India is covered in this article. Although private jet pilots have opulent lives, their schedules are also unpredictable. I’m fairly certain that flying one of those would be more of an adventure for those Gulfstream and Learjet fanatics out there, who are motivated by everyday challenges of this sector!
Feature Image by Harsh Tekriwal (@avgeekwithlens)
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
