Air services operator JetSetGo has made waves in the aviation industry by signing a groundbreaking deal for 280 hybrid-electric aircraft, with an additional 130 on option. The deal, valued at over USD 1.3 billion, was formalized through collaboration with three global aviation tech firms: Electra.aero, Horizon Aircraft, and Overair. The announcement was made during the prestigious Wings India 2024 event in Hyderabad.
JetSetGo’s Multi-Million Dollar Agreements and Future Expansion
As part of this week’s signed agreements, JetSetGo is poised to acquire 150 aircraft, amounting to a staggering USD 780 million. However, the company has left room for further expansion, with options to acquire additional aircraft that could scale the fleet size to an impressive 280. This potential fleet expansion raises the overall deal value to over USD 1.3 billion, showcasing JetSetGo’s commitment to advancing air mobility solutions.
Diverse Applications for Innovative Aircraft
JetSetGo’s fleet expansion is not limited to traditional aviation; the newly acquired aircraft will find applications in various sectors. These hybrid-electric planes are designed for versatile use, including airport transfers, regional connectivity, inter-city commute, intra-city shuttles, and urban air taxis, offering a broad spectrum of air mobility solutions.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Technologies Transforming Travel
JetSetGo is at the forefront of adopting Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies, leveraging electric and hybrid-electric propulsion for short-distance air taxi-style services. The company believes that AAM solutions have the potential to revolutionize mobility and connectivity across India’s urban and regional landscapes, similar to the impact of commercial air travel on the economy and society.
India: An Ideal Launch Market for AAM
Founder and CEO Kanika Tekriwal emphasizes India’s unique suitability as a launch market for AAM, citing the country’s geography and demographics. The strategic partnership aims to introduce cutting-edge technologies such as ‘blown lift’ and ‘fan-in-wing’ lift systems, hybrid and electric propulsion, and super-quiet optimal speed tilt rotors to India.
Pioneering AAM Applications with Varied Aircraft Designs
JetSetGo plans to pioneer AAM applications across five identified use cases: airport transfers, regional connectivity, intercity commute, intracity shuttles, and urban air taxis. The company will initially deploy hybrid-electric planes from Electra.aero and Horizon, utilizing existing infrastructure. Future urban air mobility applications will be facilitated by Overair’s Butterfly advanced electric eVTOL aircraft as the necessary infrastructure develops in Indian cities.
JetSetGo: Transforming Aviation Since 2014
Founded in 2014 by Kanika Tekriwal and Sudheer Perla, JetSetGo has steadily grown its fleet, currently comprising five mid-size Hawker aircraft and six other aircraft ranging from large cabin jets to helicopters. The recent mega-deal underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and transforming the landscape of air travel in India.
(With PTI Inputs)
