Mumbai: NetJets, the world's leading private jet company, has announced that it has engaged Ashish Chordia, CEO of Shreyans, to act as the company's strategic partner for its first foray into the Indian market. A pioneer and worldwide leader in fractional aircraft ownership, NetJets said that a 400 per cent increase in the number of its business jet flights, to and from India over the past four years, has led them to direct focus on a long term strategy for the country.

The rise in the use of business jets comes on the back of strong economic growth and a growing demand for private jet travel in India, the company said. Netjets currently has operations in the US, Europe and the Middle East.

Fractional aircraft ownership allows individuals and companies to enjoy all the benefits and more of owning their own jet at a fraction of the cost.

The company is by far the largest operator of private jets in the world with a combined fleet worldwide of over 735 aircraft under management– the second largest fleet of aircraft in the world after American Airlines. All operations combined, the company flew over 390,000 flights to over 170 countries in 2007. Effectively this meant that on an average a NetJets aircraft was taking off or landing every 41 seconds of every minute of every day.

NetJets is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the investment vehicle of the legendary investor Warren Buffett.

Through its strategic partnership with Chordia, Netjets will offer its business jet services to Indian business executives looking to travel abroad. It is also considering its options in the domestic market, including working with additional local partners.

The company said that Chordia has been enlisted to help introduce NetJets to the local community.
Chordia has intimate knowledge and long standing experience of the Indian market thanks to his representing luxury brands including Porsche, Fendi, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Robert Dranitzke, director of marketing for NetJets Europe , said: ''India's economy is booming and in today's global marketplace, more and more Indian companies are investing and doing business abroad. We look forward to working with Ashish Chordia to service the Indian community.''

Ashish Chordia, CEO of Shreyans and NetJets new strategic partner in India said, ''NetJets' global leadership position and their unparalleled commitment to safety make their service offering an attractive one for many Indian businessmen and women. I am excited to introduce the Indian business community to NetJets''.

NetJets fractional aircraft ownership allows individuals and companies to buy a share of a private business jet at a fraction of the cost of whole aircraft ownership, and guarantees availability 365 days a year with just a few hours' notice. Access to the NetJets fleet is also available in the form of a short-term lease, sold on an all-inclusive, pre-paid basis in 25-hour increments, through an exclusive alliance with Marquis Jet Partners.

NetJets Inc. also offers aircraft management, charter management, and on-demand charter services through its subsidiary, Executive Jet Management.

NetJets Europe was founded in 1996 and today is the largest business jet company in Europe. As the only pan-European operator with its own fleet, NetJets Europe, through NetJets Transportes Aéreos (NTA), is uniquely capable of delivering a consistent, world-class service with an unparalleled commitment to safety and security. NTA is the only dedicated business jet operator to be awarded the IOSA certificate - the highest safety accreditation in the world.

In 2007, the NetJets Europe Fleet flew more than 73,000 flights to 136 countries.

Shreyans is a leader in luxury distribution in India and provides its customers with luxury products. The group now distributes and retails some of the world's top brands including: Porsche, Audi, Ducati, Van Cleef & Arpels, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Etro.