“Gulfstream Aircraft are Time Machines“
SP’s Aviation
(SP’s): The recent policy announcements by the Indian Government with emphasis on enhancing ‘regional and remote area connectivity’ is expected to boost business aircraft movement. Can we expect a spurt of business aircraft activity in the short and medium term? Jason Akovenko (Jason):
We believe that in the long-term private aviation will benefit from the recent changes to the country’s civil aviation policy. The changes, which include eliminating the 5/20 rule in favour of the 0/20 rule and reviving older airstrips and airports, will contribute to the country’s overall aviation growth and support increased economic growth. This, in turn, should increase the aviation infrastructure and resources within the country, which would benefit not just commercial aviation but general/private aviation as well.
We do not anticipate that these changes will have an immediate effect on business aviation; however, as the number of airline passengers within India grows, so too will the appeal of private aviation, which eliminates many of the challenges commercial travellers experience, including long security lines, rigid schedules and a complicated and lengthy baggage collection process. Likewise, as Indian businesses continue to expand globally, the competitive advantages of business and private aviation will become increasingly apparent in the success of those Indian companies that have pioneered the use of aircraft in their operations.
SP’s: In such a scenario, where business aircraft can be deployed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, is there any strategy of Gulfstream to help operators address this market, develop this market? Jason:
Gulfstream will continue to focus on its core business of making state-of-the-art aircraft available to end-users, most of whom are public, private and Fortune 500 companies but also to individuals whose businesses necessitate reliabile and efficient on-demand transportation. While charter and fractional services are a small portion of our overall customer base, they are growing and we could see additional opportunities in this area as a result of the regional connectivity plan.