Soaring High: What’s Fueling the Growing Demand for Private Jet Services in India – News18
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Private jet travel in India is rapidly gaining traction, driven by rising affluence, evolving traveler preferences, and a growing demand for personalized, time-efficient, and hassle-free mobility solutions
Private jets offer more than luxury—they offer a redefined way of travel that values time, freedom, and comfort.
Once considered the preserve of industrialists and celebrities, private jet travel in India is undergoing a transformation. A new class of traveller is reshaping the private aviation industry—one that values time, privacy, and hyper-personalized experiences over mere indulgence. From bustling metros to emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, demand for private charters is rising rapidly, and the numbers reflect this evolution.
Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-founder, EaseMyTrip, believes the surge is being driven by “Changing customer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and the increasing need for exclusivity in travel.” He points out that private jets, once synonymous with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, are now attracting entrepreneurs, affluent families, and new-age business leaders seeking seamless, stress-free journeys—whether for business or leisure.
A Skyward Shift in Demand
The Indian private jet industry is currently valued at $13.89 billion and is projected to reach $26.08 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.08%. This growth is not only about luxury—it’s increasingly about efficiency. As Pittie explains, “More travellers are giving value to time efficiency, privacy, and hassle-free travel without long airport procedures.”
This sentiment is echoed by Kanika Tekriwal, CEO and Co-founder, JetSetGo, who offers a deep dive into the evolving profile of private jet flyers. “It’s no longer just CXOs and celebrities. The new-age flyer includes startup founders, second-gen business leaders, tech professionals, and even families booking jets for weddings, pilgrimages, and celebratory getaways.” She adds that the average age of JetSetGo’s charter customers has dropped from 51 in 2018 to 43 in 2024. “Nearly 30% of our new customers are first-time private jet users,” reveals Tekriwal.
Tier 2 and 3 Cities Are Flying High
One of the most telling trends is the increasing demand from India’s non-metro cities. JetSetGo has witnessed a 33% increase in charters to non-metro airports, alongside a 28% year-on-year spike in overall charter inquiries from April to December 2024. Government initiatives like the plan to build 100 new airports in smaller cities are further enhancing access and accelerating this trend.
“The Indian private aviation market is undergoing a quiet revolution,” says Tekriwal. “Tier 2 and 3 cities are now showing a spike in demand, and people are increasingly done with the unpredictability of commercial flying. They want ownership of their time.”
The Business of Time
With growing congestion in urban centers and increasing business travel spending, private jet usage is no longer seen as indulgent—it’s strategic. “Whether it’s a CEO who needs to be in three cities in one day, or a family avoiding airport chaos, private aviation delivers a better way to travel,” says Tekriwal.
At JetSetGo, more than 55% of bookings are now made less than 72 hours in advance, showcasing how dynamically travellers are planning their journeys. “For many of our customers, flying private is now a business decision, not just a lifestyle one.”
Redefining Luxury: Exclusivity with Purpose
While private jets may conjure up images of champagne flutes and luxe interiors, today’s premium traveller is seeking more than just glitz. As Tekriwal puts it, “Exclusivity means something far more powerful—it is about control over time, privacy, and precision.”
EaseMyTrip’s Pittie adds that customers now expect “a fully customized experience—from spontaneous travel plans and access to remote destinations to on-demand entertainment and dedicated relationship managers who ensure smooth journeys.”
JetSetGo’s data reveals that in 2024, nearly 82% of their charter bookings were for business-related travel, many involving multi-city itineraries in a single day. “Commercial aviation cannot support that kind of agility,” Tekriwal asserts. “The real luxury is being able to take off when you’re ready, land closer to your destination, and keep sensitive conversations confidential.”
The Road (or Sky) Ahead
With India’s aviation sector booming and traveller expectations evolving rapidly, private jet services are poised for a golden runway. Enhanced infrastructure, digital ease of booking, and a new mindset around travel utility are all contributing to a paradigm shift.
As Pittie notes, “Private jets offer more than luxury—they offer a redefined way of travel that values time, freedom, and comfort.” And as more Indians look to escape the constraints of conventional air travel, it’s clear that private aviation is no longer just for the few—it’s becoming the smarter, faster, and more desirable way to fly.
