The use of private jets in India has increased significantly since the pandemic. Many people have opted for private jet travel to reduce the risk of getting infected with the virus during regular commercial flights.
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In New Delhi, a chartered plane with six passengers and two crew members on board experienced a runway mishap at Mumbai Airport. This incident occurred on Thursday because of the combination of heavy rain and poor visibility.
This incident had a ripple effect on the entire Mumbai network, which happens to be India’s busiest single-runway airport. As a result, approximately 40 flights to and from the city were delayed.
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According to government officials, the Learjet 45 aircraft, with the registration VT-DBL, was flying from Vizag to Mumbai when it experienced a runway excursion, which means it veered off the runway. This incident occurred while the plane was landing on runway 27 at Mumbai airport. On board, there were six passengers and two crew members. At the time, visibility was limited to 700 meters due to heavy rain. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported as of now.
The Learjet 45XR aircraft was officially registered with the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) on May 7, 2021, by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. This aircraft was originally manufactured in the year 2009.
Maharashtra | VSR Ventures Learjet 45 aircraft VT-DBL operating a flight from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai with 6 passengers and 2 crew members on board, veered off the runway at Mumbai International Airport. No casualties were reported: Spokesperson, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj… pic.twitter.com/rjkCmBge9x
— ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2023
Based on the passenger manifest, the individuals on board the aircraft included six Indian passengers: Dhruv Kotak, K.K. Krishnadas, Aakarsh Shethi, Arul Sal, Kamakshi, and one Danish national named Lars Sorensen. The crew members were Captain Sunil and Neil.
Mr. Kotak serves as the managing director of JM Baxi Ports & Logistics Ltd, a conglomerate based in Mumbai. It’s worth noting that Arul Sal, who is his executive assistant, was also on board the aircraft. Unfortunately, Sal’s mobile phone was switched off, and attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.
Government sources have confirmed that there were no casualties resulting from the incident as of the end of the day.
VSR Ventures is a well-known aviation company that specializes in offering chartered planes for business professionals. Their fleet comprises various aircraft, including VT-BAS Beechcraft, Super King Air B200, VT-BAF Beechcraft Super King Air B200, and VT-MEG Pilatus PC-12.
In addition to its charter services, the company also provides air ambulance services and aircraft leasing. They operate from major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bhopal.
The use of private jets in India has surged significantly after the pandemic, as more people have chosen private flights to reduce the risk of getting infected with the virus during commercial flights.