CapaJet showcases impressive performance in repatriation charter flights
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, CapaJet has extended its support to various countries to operate special repatriation charter flights and bring back stranded citizens. It has constantly engaged in dialogue with different governments to run repatriation flights. While operating the repatriation flights, CapaJet is ensuring and adhering to the latest international aviation guidelines issued to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Komal Seth, India Representative, CapaJet shares more on the charter flights which has also come to the rescue of many stranded Indians.
Tell us in brief about CapaJet and its mode of operations?
CapaJet is a luxury charter flight service provider for personal and business flying needs. Headquartered in Hong Kong, CapaJet offers global coverage with the highest service and a seamless, flexible and dedicated flying solution at convenience and comfort. CapaJet owns and charters a fleet of Bombardier Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft for worldwide Private Jet Charter.
Since the pandemic began, CapaJet has extended its support to existing clients (which include both private and public sectors) and answered the market’s needs, as such we supported missions to various countries to operate special repatriation charter flights and bring back stranded citizens. CapaJet has become the preferred carrier for repatriation for countries like India, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Indonesia for special repatriation flights while discussions are on with many other countries.
How does India fit into your plan of operations and what kind of growth do you see from this market?
India being an important source market for us, we aim to derive substantial growth into the region through PR activities and marketing partnerships. We are hopeful with the expansion of regional connectivity tapping other cities to promote our services.
The private charter business has experienced a small positive growth rate in the last financial year primarily because of an increase in the number of HNI’s and diversification of fleet size. India has also noticed developments of new terminals for private charters and renovation of existing airports especially in tier II and tier III cities promoting regional connectivity leading to the increase in demand.
Delhi and Mumbai being two main business and medical centers in India has huge demand backed by the presence of HNI’s, political movements and medical emergencies. Moreover, the initiative of promoting more airports of other cities with the regional connectivity program of the government, promises an opportunity and growth in this sector in the years to come.
How are you reaching out to your target audience in this relatively new market?
India being a growing source market for us, we aim to derive greater growth into the region through PR and marketing partnerships and working closely with pan India media. We are further stressing on customer care support and online booking services to provide easy booking facilities for the customers seeking flying options. With the introduction of more airports and terminals for charters, we are looking forward to providing more domestic flying options.
Presently, CapaJet has positioned itself into operating repatriation flights. Tell us about the flights and particularly the India repatriation programme and its challenges?
After successfully organising and operating several repatriation flights in the past few months, bringing back thousands of stranded Indians home, CapaJet recently accomplished the impressive landmark repatriating over 19,000 people within 90 days. At a time when air travel around the world has come to a standstill and most countries closed their airspace, we managed to achieve this number with its determination to operate and run as many repatriation flights as possible while negotiating and coordinating with different counties and their government.
More repatriation missions are in the pipeline to bring back stranded citizens from various countries to key cities in India. All these flights are operated in accordance with the directive released by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Civil Aviation India.
What are the types of aircraft used for these repatriation flights and how are you maintaining safety measures onboard these flights?
CapaJet is committed to providing high-end service and comfortable flying experience to its passengers. To ensure this, the company has selected Singapore Airlines and Garuda Airlines to operate its long-haul Asia and APAC repatriation mission.
While operating the repatriation flights, CapaJet ensures and adheres to the latest international aviation guidelines issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease. One of the key facilities that CapaJet flights ensure is high standard services with complete safety and privacy. The aircrafts are completely sanitised, temperature screenings are done for each passenger and the crew ensures that all these stringent guidelines are being followed.
Amidst the pandemic scenario, the Cabin crew undergoes special training, especially on passenger safety adhering to the highest safety guidelines. We do ensure the aircrafts are deep cleaned before boarding and crew are tested before each flight for COVID-19.
Likewise, we also follow guidelines set out by each respective country, just recently on
our Special Repatriation Mission to Fiji, it was the requirement that all passenger complete a 48-hour pre-departure quarantine process which involved arriving in Delhi two days prior to departure and checking into a designated hotel to remain quarantined and isolated prior to departure, during this time we arranged for in-room COVID-19 PCR testing, and then finally dedicated, secure private transport to the airport. This allowed for a fully sanitised and screened flight.
Do you think that the success these repatriation flights will help you leverage your brand in India for on-demand and private charter business, post the pandemic?
We are noticing a huge surge in private flying demand as it is convenient and opens options to multiple destinations.
As businesses reopen, business travel is again becoming necessary. Of course, with airline schedules at skeleton levels, getting where you go has become more difficult. Missing a connection often means an overnight stay at a hub. Fewer trips can be done in a single day, and clients are still formulating policies about accepting visitors who arrive by airlines as part of their dutyof-care requirements. Besides business movements, we are noticing the demand for leisure travel as well.
As such with our increased presence in India fuelled by these repatriation missions, be firmly believe that it will help our brand in India as well as around the world. Our passengers on these repatriation flights come for all walks of life from CEOs to students. Our reputation is that we are delivering in difficult times; we are going beyond hardship to reach excellence. We are providing invaluable services to the public, which won’t be forgotten in good times.
Any expansion plans thought about?
We see a strong future in the India market and the upcoming developments may include further offices, and then further investment in IT, infrastructure, and, of course, staff and training. The scope of the charter market in India is poised to expand thanks to the infrastructural development push by the government and private companies. As charters serve as the fastest available mode of transport on short notice, the quickest accessibility to remote areas, we are looking forward to seeing prominent growth from the India market.