BJets Launches India Frax, Charter Service

At the Singapore Airshow today, new business jet operator BJets launched its block charter, fractional and aircraft management service with a massive $600 million order for 20 Cessna Citation CJ2+s and 20 Hawker 850XPs and 900XPs, to be delivered over the next five years. Another 10 Hawkers are on option. The value of the CJ2+ order is $150 million, while its firm order for 11 Hawker 900XPs and nine 850XPs is valued at $450 million. BJets, which will operate in India and Southeast Asia, plans to start operations in the second quarter and be headquartered in Mumbai. According to CEO Mark Baier, a former NetJets Europe executive, BJets will base 60 to 70 percent of its fleet in India. The rest of it will be in Southeast Asia, including a small hub in Singapore’s Seletar airport. The company currently has 45 employees, most of them pilots, and plans call for 200 employees by year end. Also by year-end it expects to take delivery of 15 aircraft, roughly a 50-50 split between Citations and Hawkers.