Strong Infrastructure, Better Financing to Make Private Aviation More Accessible in 3-5 Years: Capt. Varun Mittal

Capt. Varun Mittal, Director & CEO of VCRAFT International Pvt. Ltd. in an exclusive interview says private aviation has the flexibility to serve destinations and demand patterns that scheduled airlines often cannot. Beyond rising wealth and entrepreneurship, businesses increasingly recognize aviation as a productivity tool rather than a luxury. Over the next three to five years, I expect stronger regional infrastructure, better financing options, and digital adoption to make private aviation more accessible.

Q1. What are the key factors driving the growth in India’s private aviation market and how do you see the market evolving over the next three to five years?

India's private aviation market is entering a new phase of growth. Beyond rising wealth and entrepreneurship, we're seeing businesses increasingly recognize aviation as a productivity tool rather than a luxury. Over the next three to five years, I expect stronger regional infrastructure, better financing options, and digital adoption to make private aviation more accessible. The industry will move towards greater transparency, faster decision-making, and a customer experience that is as seamless as any modern mobility service.

Q2. What role can private aviation and charter operators play in improving connectivity to boost regional connectivity for pilgrimage, medical, tourism and seasonal demand?

Private aviation has the flexibility to serve destinations and demand patterns that scheduled airlines often cannot. This makes it invaluable for pilgrimage circuits, emergency medical transport, tourism, and seasonal travel. As India develops more regional airports, charter operators can become a critical link between communities, businesses, and essential services, ensuring that connectivity reaches beyond major metropolitan hubs.

Q3. What are the company's priorities for the next phase of growth, and where do you see the biggest opportunities in the global aviation ecosystem?

Our priority is to build a more connected aviation ecosystem by integrating aircraft acquisition, leasing, charter, financing, and asset management into a seamless experience.

Aviation has traditionally operated through disconnected service providers, creating unnecessary complexity for customers. The biggest opportunity lies in bringing these services together through technology and trusted expertise. VSKY was created with that philosophy, to simplify how people interact with aviation and enable every stakeholder to make faster, better-informed decisions.

Q4. With geopolitical uncertainties, changing fuel prices and rising operating costs continuing to impact aviation, how are aircraft owners, operators and charter companies managing costs and mitigating operational risks?

The industry is adapting by improving fleet utilization, embracing leasing, leveraging technology, and optimizing operational planning to remain agile in a dynamic environment. In our view, long-term resilience comes from building diversified business models that balance operational efficiency with financial flexibility.

Q5. VCRAFT operates across aircraft acquisition, leasing/financing, charter, asset management and aviation support. What gap in the existing aviation ecosystem is the integrated model seeking to address, and how does it create value for aircraft owners and customers?

The aviation ecosystem has traditionally been fragmented, with aircraft owners and customers often relying on multiple service providers across acquisition, financing, operations, charter, and asset management. Our integrated model brings these capabilities together, creating a simpler and more efficient experience throughout the aircraft lifecycle.

Our platform VSKY complements this approach by serving as the digital interface that connects these services, making aviation more transparent, accessible, and easier to navigate for aircraft owners, operators, and customers alike. Together, they help transform what has traditionally been a complex process into a seamless experience.