Latest news with #EmpireAviation
India.com
21-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mystery Bengaluru man buys Rs 200 crore private jet, hires Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani's family panditji for..., WATCH viral video
We're all used to seeing people perform pujas for their new cars, bikes, or even trucks. But recently, a video has taken the internet by surprise this time, the puja wasn't for a car, but for a private jet. Yes, you read that right. A Gulfstream G280 jet worth nearly Rs. 200 crore was the center of a full-fledged Hindu puja ceremony, carried out by none other than Pandit Chandrashekhar Sharma, one of India's well-known priests. The video was shared on Instagram by the panditji himself which showed him walking towards the private jet, which was parked at an airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He then sits down in front of the aircraft and begins the rituals right there on the tarmac. The ceremony included all the traditional steps: lighting the holy fire, chanting mantras, and performing the usual prayers. Next, the priest moved to the front of the jet and applied a tilak (vermilion mark) on it, a common part of many Indian rituals. He also went inside the aircraft to continue the ceremony. Inside, small idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati were worshipped, seeking blessings for safe journeys and prosperity. The video even shows the pilot and the jet's owner sitting in the cockpit, quietly watching as the puja continued. At the end of the ceremony, a garland was placed on the exterior of the aircraft, and the owner joined in for the final rituals. He was later seen clicking a cheerful selfie with the Pandit. Jet owner still a mystery While the video reveals a lot about the ceremony, the identity of the jet's owner hasn't been made public. What is known is that the jet is registered under Empire Aviation, based in San Marino, California, USA. The puja, however, was held in India, indicating the buyer could be an Indian entrepreneur or high-net-worth individual. Gulfstream G280: A luxurious private jet with powerful features The Gulfstream G280 is a high-end private jet that offers seating for up to 10 people. This sleek aircraft comes with a hefty price tag ranging from Rs. 150 crore to Rs. 200 crore. It's powered by two Honeywell HTF7250G turbofan engines, each capable of producing up to 33 kilonewtons of thrust, giving it the strength and speed you'd expect from a world-class jet. In terms of technology, the G280 doesn't disappoint. It features the advanced Rockwell Collins ProLine Fusion avionics suite, complete with moving map displays, cursor control devices, and a standby multifunction controller. This jet can fly up to 900 km/h and has a range of about 6,667 kilometers, making it perfect for long-distance travel in style and comfort. The man behind the ritual: Pandit Chandrashekhar Sharma The priest seen performing the ritual in the viral private jet video is Pandit Chandrashekhar Sharma, a well-known spiritual guide and astrologer in India. He's respected for conducting important Hindu rituals for many well-known families and business tycoons. In fact, he also officiated the wedding of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man. Earlier such pujas This isn't the first time a luxury flying machine has been blessed with a traditional Hindu ceremony. Earlier, a businessman from Hyderabad, Boinpally Srinivas Rao, took his brand-new Airbus ACH-135 helicopter, worth around Rs. 50 crore to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadadri for a Vahan Puja. Rao, who heads the Prathima Group, made sure the new helicopter was blessed before its maiden flight. It's not just billionaires and big jets getting all the attention. Last year, an Indian aircraft owner performed Hindu rituals for a Piper Cherokee 140, a small light aircraft built for training, personal flying, and air taxi services. These aircraft typically seat two to four people and are ideal for private use.
Trade Arabia
23-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Empire Aviation acquires Gulfstream G600 for charter in Mideast
Dubai-based Empire Aviation has added a new Gulfstream G600 business jet to its fleet, offering end-to-end personalised services for the new owner. The 13-seater aircraft will operate under the company's San Marino AOC and will be available for worldwide charter. Gulfstream's G600 series models are popular among charter clients, including those in the Middle East, due to their non-stop intercontinental range and comfort. Empire Aviation Group is the authorised International Sales Representative for Gulfstream business aircraft sales activities in India. The Gulfstream line offers 'clean sheet' design, advanced technology, and 100% fresh air in the cabin, enhancing passenger comfort and well-being during flights. Larger aircraft like the G600 offer more cabin and luggage space, which are highly valued among private aviation travellers. The premium cabin offers full-flat beds, lounge compartments, and high specification fixtures, such as entertainment systems and communications technology. Empire Aviation managed the entire aircraft acquisition process, cabin configuration, interior decor, assessment and delivery, aircraft registration, crew recruitment, aircraft management, and flight operations, including charter management. The team also managed the aircraft handover to the new owner at the Gulfstream factory in Savanah, US. Gulfstream has built over 500 of the G600 aircraft and has earned over 35 world speed records, including the G650ER for the farthest, fastest flight in business aviation history. Paras Dhamecha, Founder and Managing Director of Empire Aviation Group, said: 'The G600 acquisition gave the Empire Aviation team the opportunity to demonstrate the full spectrum of turn-key bespoke services we provide for private aircraft owners. Our aircraft management division takes the operational complexity out of owning such a high-performance aircraft. From maintenance and crewing to regulatory compliance and financial oversight, the team ensures that every flight operates seamlessly. For the Gulfstream G600, this level of personalised management is particularly critical, given its advanced avionics and systems. Owners of the G600 can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their prized aircraft is in expert hands. It's a superb aircraft and will certainly attract interest among business jet charter clients in the Middle East and worldwide, catering to the needs of business and leisure travellers.' Dhamecha added: 'The Gulfstream 600 series has also had a broader impact on regional aviation and has set new standards for private air travel. Its success has demonstrated the viability and demand for high-end, long-range business jets in the Middle East, influencing fleet decisions across the industry and helping to position the region as a global hub for business and tourism. We expect the regional demand for high-end business jets like the Gulfstream 600 series to grow, reinforcing its status as a key player in the aviation industry.'
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Empire Aviation acquires Gulfstream G600 for charter in Mideast
Dubai-based Empire Aviation has added a new Gulfstream G600 business jet to its fleet, offering end-to-end personalised services for the new owner. The 13-seater aircraft will operate under the company's San Marino AOC and will be available for worldwide charter. Gulfstream's G600 series models are popular among charter clients, including those in the Middle East, due to their non-stop intercontinental range and comfort. Empire Aviation Group is the authorised International Sales Representative for Gulfstream business aircraft sales activities in India. The Gulfstream line offers 'clean sheet' design, advanced technology, and 100% fresh air in the cabin, enhancing passenger comfort and well-being during flights. Larger aircraft like the G600 offer more cabin and luggage space, which are highly valued among private aviation travellers. The premium cabin offers full-flat beds, lounge compartments, and high specification fixtures, such as entertainment systems and communications technology. Empire Aviation managed the entire aircraft acquisition process, cabin configuration, interior decor, assessment and delivery, aircraft registration, crew recruitment, aircraft management, and flight operations, including charter management. The team also managed the aircraft handover to the new owner at the Gulfstream factory in Savanah, US. Gulfstream has built over 500 of the G600 aircraft and has earned over 35 world speed records, including the G650ER for the farthest, fastest flight in business aviation history. Paras Dhamecha, Founder and Managing Director of Empire Aviation Group, said: 'The G600 acquisition gave the Empire Aviation team the opportunity to demonstrate the full spectrum of turn-key bespoke services we provide for private aircraft owners. Our aircraft management division takes the operational complexity out of owning such a high-performance aircraft. From maintenance and crewing to regulatory compliance and financial oversight, the team ensures that every flight operates seamlessly. For the Gulfstream G600, this level of personalised management is particularly critical, given its advanced avionics and systems. Owners of the G600 can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their prized aircraft is in expert hands. It's a superb aircraft and will certainly attract interest among business jet charter clients in the Middle East and worldwide, catering to the needs of business and leisure travellers.' Dhamecha added: 'The Gulfstream 600 series has also had a broader impact on regional aviation and has set new standards for private air travel. Its success has demonstrated the viability and demand for high-end, long-range business jets in the Middle East, influencing fleet decisions across the industry and helping to position the region as a global hub for business and tourism. We expect the regional demand for high-end business jets like the Gulfstream 600 series to grow, reinforcing its status as a key player in the aviation industry.' -TradeArabia News Service
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Empire Aviation Group adds new Gulfstream G600 to managed charter fleet
Dubai-United Arab Emirates: Dubai-based Empire Aviation, a leader in private aviation solutions, has announced the addition of a brand-new Gulfstream G600 business jet to its growing managed fleet. The Empire Aviation team provided end-to-end personalised services for the new owner, covering acquisition, registration and operation of the 13-seater, near-supersonic aircraft, which will operate under the company's San Marino AOC (Air Operator Certificate) and will be available for worldwide charter. Empire Aviation already operates one G600 business jet and based on the company's experience, Gulfstream's G600 series models are some of the most popular aircraft among the company's charter clients including those in the Middle East, with their non-stop intercontinental range and comfort. Empire Aviation Group is the authorised International Sales Representative (ISR) for Gulfstream business aircraft sales activities in India, responsible for promoting and supporting Gulfstream with customers and prospects throughout India. Empire Aviation has seen strong interest in the Gulfstream types in the Middle East region as well, with the entire line offering 'clean sheet' design, advanced technology and 100 per cent fresh air in the cabin - a feature that enhances passenger comfort and well-being during flights. Larger aircraft such as the G600 offer more cabin (full stand-up height) and luggage space, which are highly valued among the region's private aviation travellers. The generous cabin can accommodate larger traveling business groups or families (seating up to 13) and still offer full-flat beds (for six) and lounge compartments for work, dining and entertainment, and sleep. The premium cabin offers high specification fixtures, such as entertainment system and communications technology (superfast Ka Band broadband WIFI). On behalf of the new G600 owner, Empire Aviation managed the entire aircraft acquisition process, as well as cabin configuration and interior decor, assessment and delivery, aircraft registration, crew recruitment, aircraft management, and flight operations, including charter management. The team also managed the aircraft handover to the new owner at the Gulfstream factory in Savanah, USA. Paras P. Dhamecha, Founder and Managing Director of Empire Aviation Group, said: 'The G600 acquisition gave the Empire Aviation team the opportunity to demonstrate the full spectrum of turn-key bespoke services we provide for private aircraft owners. Our aircraft management division takes the operational complexity out of owning such a high-performance aircraft. From maintenance and crewing to regulatory compliance and financial oversight, the team ensures that every flight operates seamlessly. For the Gulfstream G600, this level of personalised management is particularly critical, given its advanced avionics and systems. Owners of the G600 can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their prized aircraft is in expert hands. It's a superb aircraft and will certainly attract interest among business jet charter clients in the Middle East and worldwide, catering to the needs of business and leisure travellers.' Gulfstream has built more than 500 of the G600 aircraft and it has earned more than 35 world speed records; the G650ER holds the record for the farthest, fastest flight in business aviation history. At its near-supersonic high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, the G600 can connect cities such as New York and Dubai, London and Beijing, or Los Angeles and Shanghai, nonstop. Higher speed means fewer flight hours and longer periods between scheduled maintenance, potentially higher aircraft residual value and fresher crews. The G600 also delivers 12% better fuel-efficiency than previous-generation aircraft. Paras Dhamecha added: 'The Gulfstream 600 series has also had a broader impact on regional aviation and has set new standards for private air travel. Its success has demonstrated the viability and demand for high-end, long-range business jets in the Middle East, influencing fleet decisions across the industry and helping to position the region as a global hub for business and tourism. We expect the regional demand for high-end business jets like the Gulfstream 600 series to grow, reinforcing its status as a key player in the aviation industry.' About Empire Aviation Group Since launching in Dubai UAE in 2007, Empire Aviation Group has developed into a global private aviation business integrating a comprehensive range of services, based on a distinctive aircraft management approach and personalised service, ensuring aircraft owners and clients enjoy all the privacy, safety, comfort and convenience of private aviation. Empire Aviation operates one of the Middle East's largest managed fleets of business jets, with aircraft based in global locations. The company operates in the key regions for private aviation, covering the USA, Europe, India, Africa and Indonesia, in addition to the Middle East. The Empire Aviation team comprises 130 aviation specialists across the globe. Empire Aviation holds AOCs (Air Operator Certificates) in the UAE and San Marino. For more information about Empire Aviation Group, visit Media contact: Jonathan Walsh WPR Dubai 050 4588610 jon@
