Wealthy ditch private jets for commercial as covid eases

Many of India’s wealthiest people are leaving their private bubbles to join commoners on commercial flights, as the pandemic fades and airlines get back into rhythm.

These wealthy flyers had retreated to business jets during the pandemic to minimize the risk of catching the virus. According to industry data, a passenger on a regular commercial flight risks infection from at least 280 contact points compared with just 40 when flying on private jets.

As the wealthy switch back to commercial flights, the movement of private jets and helicopters saw a 17.1% drop during the 10 months to January, according to data from the Airports Authority of India. In contrast, such aircraft registered a 37% increase in growth in the year-ago period. Private jet usage is measured in terms of aircraft movement–one take-off and landing equals two aircraft movements.

Industry analysts peg the decline on the shift to commercial jet use but say demand will remain in the long term.