Captain G.R.Gopinath ushered in ‘Simplifly’ with the launch of low-cost
airline Air Deccan (sold later to Kingfisher Airlines). Now, he has pioneered
another venture in the aviation business in India. He introduced
the concept of ‘timeshare’ with the launch of Powerfly Vacations in 2011 and
one year in its operations, it is making substantial headway.
Powerfly has seven corporate members using the ‘timeshare’ model and it
hopes to double the number of members and increase the fleet size from 22 aircraft.
Powerfly is a Deccan and
Taj Air alliance which gives
members/customers access to
jets, turboprops and helicopters.
It fulfils travel needs with
a hassle-free, world class concierge
service.
A spokesperson of Powerfly told SP’s ShowNews
‘Through Powerfly the
customer has a choice of
accessing a range of aircraft
from light to large jets,
turboprops and helicopters
either through on-demand
charter or by becoming
a premium member. The
member also gets discounts
on Taj Properties.”
In India due to various regulations, ‘fractional ownership’ of aircraft did
not take off, but the concept of ‘timeshare’ has. “We will be adding another
three jets this year as there is growing interest and demand.” Powerfly has
aircraft bases at Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Jammu, Kolkata and Mumbai.
The fleet includes Citation CJ2; Hawker 850XP; and Falcon 2000 (all
jets); Pilatus PC 12; Kingair B200; and P180 Avanti II (all turboprops) and Bell
206; Bell 407; AS 350 B3; AS 355 F1; and Bell 230 (all helicopters).
