Baron Eagle - India’s first “Global Jet Card” for private fliers launched

by BA Staff

An option to substitute high value private jet ownership finally gets addressed today with the launch of Baron Eagle, India’s first “Global Jet Card”.

This “By Invitation only” membership program will offer Individuals and Corporates all the benefits of owning a large fleet of Aircraft depending on their mission requirement at a fraction of the ownership cost and will allow its members to fly private to most international destinations. Baron Eagle is a solution for all those who wish to own an aircraft for their utility and business applications, now without the cost of aircraft ownership and without the hassles of the management, maintenance and compliance obligations that comes along with the ownership.

Internationally, Jet cards provide guaranteed access to business jets at reasonable hourly rates. Jet cards are prepaid cards where a set amount is deposited against a specified number of flying hours based on various aircraft requirements. The balances are adjusted based on the usage over a period of time.

Mr. Rajeev Wadhwa, Chairman & CEO, Baron Luxury and Lifestyles Pvt. Ltd. said

“By launching India’s first Global Jet Card, we aim to redefine ownership of a private aircraft. With the dollar value touching all-time high it may not be the appropriate time to buy an aircraft. However, Baron Eagle Membership provides an ideal choice for customers to avail all the benefits of owning an aircraft at a fraction of ownership cost”

Baron Eagle provides all the benefits of a jet card but has added unique functionality whereby it provides the most flexible program across various aircraft types including rotary and fixed wing aircraft. The program enables its members assured availability even when they travel abroad and will take care of their private flying needs internationally. Further, the card has been designed with flexibility of transferability, is refundable and can be used as corporate/individual gift for business and personal needs.

Baron Eagle membership is available in three categories, namely Baron Platinum Membership, Baron Gold Membership and Baron Silver Membership.

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Emirates commences luxury private jet service

by Devesh Agarwal

Dubai-based Emirates, has announced the launch of its luxury private jet service using a ultra-spacious Airbus 319 aircraft.

Providing a bespoke private charter service to most locations worldwide and beyond the existing Emirates network, the aircraft offers a new configuration with a high level of comfort and service for up to 19 passengers.

The configuration of the A319 Emirates Executive aircraft is based on two main zones.

The first area is a wide dining and executive lounge at the front of the aircraft designed to seat up to 12 passengers, combining a work area and a rest zone with two large sofas surrounding four mechanically-activated tables and two 42” HD LCD screens.

The second distinct area comprises 10 Private Suites each featuring a fully lie flat seat and a 32” HD LCD screen.

The suites are complemented by a large and elegant Shower Spa, equipped with a full-height shower, featured innovations like a floor heating system, decorative mirrors and marble accents, as well as luxury, all-natural skincare products.

Customers can also enjoy a variety of multi-course culinary options from Emirates’ award-winning menus, and the finest selection of hot and cold beverages, as well as customised options to suit any palette or dietary requirement.

The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including Emirates’ award winning in-flight entertainment (IFE) with up to 1,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, as well as a live TV, video conferencing facilities and high-speed internet and mobile phone connectivity.

The personalised service for customers includes booking an aircraft at short notice and a premium chauffeur drive service. The A319 aircraft is supported by a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced inflight crew and ground staff.

For enquiries visit the Emirates Executive website.

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Vijay Mallya shifts ownership of his Airbus A319 private jet VT-VJM away from Kingfisher Airlines

In what could be a move to protect his personal toys, UB Group has transferred the operational ownership of the ultra-luxurious Airbus A319-133ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jet) used by Kingfisher Airlines Chairman Vijay Mallya out of Kingfisher Airlines.

In its previous avatar, VT-VJM used to sport a tail with the Kingfisher Airlines logo and used to operate with the radio call sign "Kingfisher 11 (one-one)".

Now the plane wears a plain white tail with the same UB Group logo near the front door, but with a conspicuous absence of any reference to Kingfisher, the beer, or the packaged drinking water, or the airline. Sources inform that the plane has also stopped using the radio call sign "Kingfisher 11", and now just uses its registration number like any other private plane does.

VT-VJM at Liege Airport when Dr. Mallya attended the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix. Photo copyright Jean-Marie Hanon. Used with permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce.

Both Boeing and Airbus offer a business jet version of the popular 737 and A318, A319 airframes. Typically, the commercial A319 carries about 140 passengers, but the corporate jets have a much more luxurious interior, reducing the passenger capacity.

The price of the aircraft is reported as $61,093,550 — its standard equipment costing $33,321,040 and customised equipment $27,772,510, when purchased in November 2006. As per DGCA records the owner leasing company is C J Leasing (Cayman) Ltd., located in the tax haven of the Grand Cayman islands. This implies a sale and lease-back arrangement.

Dr. Mallya's plane has a capacity of only 22 passengers as per DGCA records. In addition to its hefty price tag, an ACJ319 typically costs upwards of Rs. 10 Crore  per year to operate. Given Dr. Mallya's many international trips to and from various Formula 1 venues across the globe, the operating costs of his private jet could be, even higher.

The picture below shows a representative business jet cabin layout, but each owner decides the level of customisation and luxury. A normal A319 will cost about $7 million above the base airframe to outfit for airline use, but Dr. Mallya's plane has cost a whopping additional $27 million. One can be reasonably sure the aircraft has a bedroom and may be even a shower, in addition to a business section.

Though the transfer of the aircraft out of Kingfisher Airlines reportedly took place sometime in May or June this year, DGCA records still reflect the old information of Kingfisher Airlines. The correct status of two Eurocopter EC-155-B1 helicopters (VT-SVM and VT-LVM) owned or operated by Kingfisher Airlines, too remains unknown.

VT-VJM was last spotted in the New York city area leaving for a trans-Atlantic flight on October 4th morning. Her current whereabouts are unknown but we can be rest-assured it will be at New Delhi on the weekend of 26~28 October during the Airtel Indian Grand Prix.

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