Deccan Charters Ltd., Taj Air Collaborate on New Company

Feb 22, 2011 10:17 AM

Deccan Charters Ltd, a leading aviation services company of India, Taj Air, the executive charter service of IHCL, and Business Jets India Private Ltd (BJETS) announced a significant collaboration to launch a new alliance in the air charter industry called POWERFLY.

The collaboration will leverage the synergies of the three brands and their fleets and is poised to become a considerable force. The collaboration includes a Marketing, Maintenance and Operational Support agreement between Deccan Charters and BJETS. The collaboration was announced in Mumbai in a joint press conference addressed by R K Krishna Kumar – Director, Tata Sons and Vice Chairman, Indian Hotels Company Ltd. and Capt. G R Gopinath, Chairman and Managing Director, Deccan Charters Ltd. Powerfly commenced operations February 14, 2011, and is now accepting bookings.

In accordance with the agreement, Deccan Charters will be the exclusive Marketing Concessionaire for BJETS aircraft in India and will work on developing, expanding and consolidating the market across the country through Powerfly. The combined fleet will be available through various programs including adhoc charters and memberships, loyalty programmes that extend across all three brands and the various hotels of Taj and membership options. Powerfly membership will provide a unique first of its kind of solution where customers can customize their own programs by mixing and matching from the wide choice of aircraft provided through the alliance. Powerfly will be a comprehensive offering to the end consumer who will now have a wider choice of aircraft, more reach and a wider geographic network coverage. This is a significant deal in the chartered airline business in India as Deccan Charters, Taj Air and BJETS will grow in size, influence and network while they will draw on each others' strengths and synergize on operations.

“We are very happy to partner with Capt. Gopinath and Deccan Charters," said R K Krishna Kumar, Director, Tata Sons and Vice-Chairman, Indian Hotels Company Ltd. "We believe that the air charter service industry in India has immense potential. While Taj Air, Deccan Charters and BJETS all have their individual strengths and strongholds in the business, this collaboration will bring together a new force that will catalyze the sector. Powerfly will be a win-win for the end consumers as it increases their options. While Deccan Charters have their own fleet of aircraft, Taj Air and BJETS will add value to their existing portfolio with our distinct and stellar fleet. Powerfly will soon change the face of the chartered airline sector in India.”

“We are very happy to be joining hands with Taj Air and BJETS to form Powerfly. India has seen an unprecedented growth in commercial aviation over the last few years," said Capt. G R Gopinath, Chairman & Managing Director, Deccan Charters Ltd. "This alliance will fuel growth in the general aviation industry and provide entrepreneurs and professionals greater flexibility to conduct their business and reach remote destinations through these airplanes and helicopters. While we have our existing portfolio of 16 aircraft, Taj Air and BJETS will now bring three Hawker 850XPs and the Cessna Citation CJ-2, along with the P180 Avanti and the Falcons – thereby enhancing our portfolio of aircraft.”

Powerfly will combine the fleets of all three brands and will indeed empower the customer to make a better choice. The booking process will henceforth be integrated so the customer would be able to book any sector, any airline at any budget at a ‘one-stop-shop’. Also, with Taj InnerCircle coming on board, customers can earn and burn points on this program at Taj properties or flying with Powerfly. Powerfly will give the end-user the advantage of a wider choice, a better geographical coverage and more reach – all at a price point convenient to the customer. Also, during the period of the agreement, Deccan Charters will provide BJETS with repair and maintenance services for its fleet and conduct scheduled inspections as per the requirements of DGCA.

About Deccan Charters
Deccan Charters, formerly known as Deccan Aviation, is a leading aviation services company of India. Started in 1997, it has grown at a rapid pace, expanding its network across the country and providing a level of service unparalleled in the charter industry. In 2003, it also spawned India’s first low cost airline giving wings to the common man’s dream to fly. Today, Deccan Charters operates with a fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, which suit virtually any requirement, and has the widest geographical reach in India among General Aviation companies, with more than 10 operational and engineering locations. Deccan provides a complete suite of aviation solutions ranging from Corporate Travel to Aircraft Management, Maintenance and Technical Services.

About Taj Air
Taj Air pioneered charter aviation in India in 1993, bringing to the industry, the world-renowned service and Indian hospitality of the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. Today, Taj Air is globally recognized as the finest executive charter airline service in the country. Taj Air is equipped with a young fleet of aircraft; Falcon 2000 private jet aircraft and a brand new Falcon 2000LX jet and P.180 Avanti II turbo-prop aircraft. Its private jets fly to more than 150 airports in 56 countries. Within India it can fly to more than 130 destinations while commercial airlines cover 71 destinations. A highly trained crew with more than 25,000 hours of flying experience, supported by the most competent ground staff in the business, ensures a bespoke flying experience, perfected by impeccable service, for its discerning and exclusive guests.

About BJETS
Business Jets Private Ltd. (BJETS) offers solutions in the Business Aviation space. The company is backed by Singapore-based Briley Group and has a significant shareholder in Indian Hotels Company Ltd. in India. BJETS offers world class private jet travel across Asia with its fleet comprising of Citation CJ2 and Hawker 850/900 XP jets - to provide the utmost in comfort operational efficiency and state-of-the-art technology.

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