New Delhi, India
Vilnius, Lithuania
In recent years, India’s affluent have increasingly turned to private jets, soaring above the congestion and unpredictability of commercial travel. For the country’s ultra-wealth, flying private is no longer just about luxury—it’s a strategic choice driven by a desire for convenience, privacy, and control over every aspect of their journey. As business leaders, celebrities, and new-age entrepreneurs dominate global conversations, their preference for chartered flights reflects not only their elevated status but also a fundamental shift in how India’s rich value their time and freedom.
The growing demand is being addressed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has 95 non-scheduled operator permit holders, with a total of 330 charter aircraft. While the exact number of private jets is not specified, it’s expected to grow to 200 by 2030, according to IIFL Securities. The Indian private jet market is projected to be worth USD 37 billion by 2035. Several major Airports like Delhi and Mumbai, have dedicated facilities for Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) and General Aviation Terminals (GATs), with exclusive lounges and expedited check-ins, security at dedicated areas, and access to exclusive services such as luxury car rentals and on-site customs and immigration. Private jet charters may also offer additional VIP services like gourmet catering, personal chefs, and access to spa and beauty treatments. There is a huge scope for personalization. It is boom-time in the private-jet-charter sector, and the pie is only going to get bigger, with more players stepping in.
The latest entrant seeking a slice of this pie is the European charter airline KlasJet from Lithuania, specializing in VIP and corporate jet services, as well as ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leasing. We engaged with Justinas Bulka , CEO, KlasJet, to get an insight.
Justinas Bulka, CEO KlasJet
TLC – What makes India an attractive market for private aviation, in your view?
Justinas Bulka – India is one of the most promising markets for private aviation, both strategically and culturally. It has the third-largest population of UHNIs in Asia, expected to grow by over 58% by 2027. This wealth expansion, combined with globalised business needs and growing demand for luxury travel, is driving strong interest in bespoke air charter services. With improving infrastructure and a maturing aviation ecosystem, India is set to become a key market for premium charter services in the APAC region. A variety of high-value, experience-driven segments are influencing India’s demand for private aviation. Government delegations, opulent weddings, athletic events like football and cricket, and tours featuring music or entertainment are a few examples.
How do you plan to differentiate your services in a market with established local and international competitors?
At KlasJet, we don’t view differentiation as simply offering premium aircraft, it’s about delivering an end-to-end experience that reflects true luxury, precision, and personalization. Our focus lies in creating a highly curated, hospitality-driven aviation service that blends the exclusivity of private flight with the refinement of bespoke service. What sets us apart is our attention to detail, from custom-designed cabin interiors and world-class onboard catering to multilingual crew trained in luxury protocol. We understand that India’s UHNW clientele values discretion, cultural nuance, and seamless execution. Our operations are built to reflect that, with aircraft configured for both corporate mobility and high-profile leisure travel.
What is your strategy for the Indian market?
We are currently focused on building a deep understanding of the regulatory framework, market dynamics, and consumer expectations. India is a highly nuanced and relationship-driven market, and we recognize the value of local expertise. As we expand, we intend to forge strategic collaborations with trusted partners, FBOs, aviation consultants, or premium hospitality providers, to ensure a seamless, culturally attuned experience for our clientele. To gain a thorough grasp of India’s regulatory framework, cultural norms, and market dynamics, we are actively interacting with important local stakeholders, including clients, aviation consultants, and premium service providers. We are making sure that our international service standards are in line with the particular requirements of the Indian market through these discussions.
Could you describe the composition and unique features of your fleet intended for the Indian market?
KlasJet operates one of Europe’s most distinctive fleets, primarily composed of Boeing 737 aircraft configured in bespoke VIP layouts. These aircraft are engineered to offer an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and capacity, ideal for corporate delegations, sports teams, government officials, and high-net-worth groups seeking tailored air travel experience. Beyond the physical cabin, what truly sets us apart is our highly trained, multilingual crew, each selected for their background in premium service environments and trained to deliver hospitality at the highest international standards. As we bring our fleet to India, we aim to offer a level of personalization and onboard experience that goes beyond conventional charters.
We are also investing in advanced inflight connectivity solutions to support business continuity during travel, along with wellness-focused cabin features such as circadian lighting, reduced cabin pressure, and noise-minimizing interiors designed to improve passenger comfort, particularly on long-haul flights. While we are not introducing an entirely new aircraft type at this stage, every aircraft we operate in the Indian market will reflect a strong commitment to personalization, comfort, and operational excellence.
KlasJet-Private-and-group-air-charter-Boeing-737
What sets your company apart from others operating in India?
What sets us apart is our ability to curate every aspect of the journey, starting from bespoke pre-flight concierge services to fully customized in-flight experiences. Our VIP-configured aircraft offer tailored entertainment systems, wellness-focused amenities, and regionally inspired catering designed specifically for our Indian clientele. Whether it’s menus, multilingual crew, or cultural preferences reflected in cabin detailing, we ensure every touchpoint feels personal and refined. Additionally, we specialize in secure, discreet travel solutions for high-profile individuals, corporate delegations, and government officials, where confidentiality and seamless execution are critical.
