Jets - Luxury Redefined

Although an expensive proposition, a business jet provides immense flexibility to corporate honchos to optimise the use of time for professional pursuits in the comfort of a lavish and luxurious environment onboard while flying over long distance

The entrepreneuring tycoon drove through a separate gate and reached a special waiting lounge at the airport. A few minutes later, a special vehicle took him to a small private jet which he boarded along with his secretary and was welcomed onboard by an airhostess. Minutes later, another businessman with his staff too boarded the same aircraft. The airhostess served a welcome drink as the men exchanged pleasantries. Soon after, the aircraft took off. The men sank comfortably into the soft king-sized sofas looking out at the receding terrain through large oval shaped windows as the aircraft climbed away into the sky. On reaching cruising altitude of 33,000 feet, the tycoons engaged themselves in business transactions till the aircraft began its descent two hours later to land at their destination 1,500 km away at an airfield with a gravel runway.

After a satisfying visit to the factory, which was the main purpose of the journey, the party boarded the jet for the return flight. A deal was inked onboard and celebrated with the choicest of liquors and cuisine. Two hours later, the private jet landed at the airport and the men returned to their respective establishments to continue with other engagements. Every minute of their time onboard the private jet was productive.

Luxurious Bizjets

Such is the capability of a small jet, which is also called a business jet or Bizjet. A typical business jet carries six to 12 passengers over a distance of 4,000 km to 8,000 km. Long-range business jets available in the world today can fly up to 14,000 km plus in a single hop. The twin-engine, state-of-the-art aircraft offers all modern luxuries onboard. Business jets with a larger seating capacity of up to 24 passengers could carry a price tag of around Rs. 280 crore.

Business aircraft can be propeller driven like the Cessna Skyhawk or a turboprop like the Piaggio P180 Avanti II or true jets like the Cessna Citation. Propeller driven aircraft are the slowest to fly but are the most economical in terms of fuel consumption. However, they are noisy and have higher vibration levels as compared to jets. A true jet, on the other hand, is more powerful and faster. Since the engines of business jets are generally mounted at the rear end of the fuselage, the noise level is further reduced. Compared to piston engines, jet engines consume more fuel per unit of power or thrust and hence the operating cost of a jet aircraft is correspondingly higher. A turboprop, on the other hand, is a median of the two. It derives the benefit of the propeller at lower altitudes and that of a jet at higher altitudes. This leads to saving of fuel during flight at lower altitudes. At higher altitudes, the jet engine is more economical and hence a turboprop is an ideal machine as far as the logic-based choice matrix of time and fuel cost is concerned.

Business jets are mainly acquired by private companies or high net-worth individuals (HNI) as these require heavy initial investment and are expensive to maintain and operate. These jets eliminate the hassles of early airport check-in, baggage and cargo restrictions inflexible itineraries and flight delays. Although an expensive proposition, a business jet provides immense flexibility to corporate honchos to optimise the use of time for professional pursuits in the comfort of a lavish and luxurious environment onboard while flying over long distances. The entrepreneur remains networked with his business domain through the onboard satellite-based Internet and voice communication facilities. For those who understand true luxury, a business jet represents an unmatched experience.

Generally, business jets are flown by two pilots. However, small business jets could be cleared for single pilot operation. Larger business jets have a flight engineer, an airhostess and a galley onboard. Business jet manufacturers generally have a standardised aisle, seats, cabinets, working areas and toilet, but they do customise to suit customer requirements. The aircraft are generally spacious and boast of most modern gadgetries. Luxurious furnishings, handcrafted superior material made accoutrements, ergonomically designed customised sitting areas, refreshment centres, exquisite toilets and large windows are the norm for a business jet as it portrays a luxurious fashion statement on wings.