EaseMyTrip, a well-known online travel ticketing platform and a strong competitor of MakeMyTrip, has taken a significant step into the charter aviation sector. The company has secured board approval to acquire a 49% stake in Big Charter Pvt Ltd, marking its official entry into this fast-growing market. With this acquisition, EaseMyTrip aims to expand beyond commercial travel and tap into the rising demand for private, flexible, and luxury air travel in India.
Rapid Growth in the Charter Aviation Sector
The charter aviation industry in India is growing rapidly and currently holds a market value of $650.5 million. According to projections, this value is expected to almost double, reaching $1.14 billion by 2033. The key drivers of this growth include rising corporate travel, improved regional air connectivity, and increasing interest in private flying.
Globally, the charter aviation market is also expanding, with estimates suggesting it will surpass $33 billion by 2033. This growth is being driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes, a growing preference for privacy and convenience, and the need for time-efficient travel solutions. With its investment in Big Charter, EaseMyTrip is well-positioned to take advantage of these global and domestic opportunities.
Enhancing Premium Air Travel Options
EaseMyTrip plans to integrate its advanced travel technology into Big Charter’s operations, aiming to make the process of booking charter flights easier and more transparent. As more corporate clients, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), and event travelers choose charter flights for their convenience and exclusivity, EaseMyTrip seeks to improve their experience with better service and transparent pricing.
Big Charter’s presence in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities aligns well with EaseMyTrip’s goal of democratizing air travel. This partnership is expected to expand regional connectivity and make private air travel more accessible to people in smaller cities, not just in metro areas.
Leadership Views on the Acquisition
EaseMyTrip’s leadership has expressed confidence that the partnership with Big Charter will bring positive changes to the aviation sector. Nishant Pitti, Chairman and Founder of EaseMyTrip, emphasized the importance of this move in making private air travel more accessible across India. He explained that the combination of EaseMyTrip’s travel technology and Big Charter’s expertise in aviation would create a seamless travel experience for premium customers. The integration of Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) operations will allow the company to serve a broader customer base and strengthen its position in the charter aviation market.
Sanjay Mandavia, Director of Big Charter Pvt Ltd, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration. He described it as a transformative step that would help Big Charter expand its reach and improve its operational efficiency. By leveraging EaseMyTrip’s technological know-how and large customer base, Big Charter aims to grow faster and offer more affordable, reliable, and high-quality charter services to travelers across India.
Future Impact on India’s Air Travel Industry
This partnership is expected to significantly enhance the charter aviation market in India. By combining advanced technology with regional connectivity, EaseMyTrip and Big Charter aim to offer better services to premium travelers, corporate clients, and event organizers. With the rising demand for private air travel, this collaboration is poised to make charter flights more accessible and convenient, helping EaseMyTrip solidify its position in India’s growing aviation industry.
