Aviation

Mukesh Ambani is buying an aircraft worth Rs 1,000 crore

India’s wealthiest businessman, Mukesh Ambani, has once again made headlines with his latest acquisition—the country’s first Boeing BBJ 737 MAX 9. Valued at an astounding Rs 1,000 crore, this ultra-long-range business jet sets a new standard in luxury and is now the most expensive private aircraft owned by an Indian.

Delivered in August 2024, the addition marks a milestone in Ambani’s impressive fleet, which now totals 10 aircraft. This move highlights his growing emphasis on luxury travel and seamless business mobility, aligning with his stature as a global business magnate.

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The Boeing BBJ 737 MAX 9 boasts two powerful CFMI LEAP-1B engines, allowing it to cover an impressive distance of 11,770 kilometers—perfect for Ambani’s extensive international business engagements. Before making its way to India, the aircraft underwent extensive modifications and testing at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg in Switzerland.

Although the interiors remain undisclosed, it is anticipated that the cabin’s design will be in line with Ambani’s signature luxury standards, creating a world-class experience in the skies. To ensure peak performance, the jet completed six test flights across prominent airports in Basel, Geneva, and London Luton before taking its final journey to India.

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On August 27, 2024, the Boeing BBJ 737 MAX 9 flew from Basel to Delhi, covering 6,234 kilometers over a nine-hour flight. It is currently stationed at Delhi Airport’s maintenance apron near the cargo terminal and is expected to reach its new home in Mumbai shortly.

This acquisition adds to an already impressive collection of private jets under the Reliance Industries banner, including an Airbus A319 ACJ and a Bombardier Global 6000. Alongside these, Ambani’s fleet features two helicopters—a Dauphin Helicopter and a Sikorsky S76—used for quick commutes between business locations, emphasizing the billionaire’s focus on efficiency and flexibility in business travel.

With this Rs 1,000 crore investment, Mukesh Ambani continues to elevate his status not just as a business tycoon but also as a pioneer in luxury travel solutions.

Aviation

S7 Airlines and UAC Ink Agreement for 100 Tu-214 Aircraft

In a significant development for Russian aviation, S7 Airlines (S7) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to acquire 100 Tu-214 airliners.

The deal was formalized on September 18, 2024, in Kazan, a city renowned for its aircraft production, specifically the Tu-214, by UAC. The agreement was signed by Yuri Slyusar, Managing Director of UAC, and Vladislav Filev, owner of the S7 Group.

The Tu-214, a modernized version of the Soviet-era Tu-204, is designed to replace popular Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 models within Russian fleets. As Russia moves towards greater self-reliance in aviation amidst international sanctions, this agreement marks a pivotal shift in the country’s airline industry.

UAC is aiming to scale up its Tu-214 production, with plans to produce 10 aircraft annually by 2025/26 and 20 per year by 2027. Historically, few international airlines have operated the Tu-214, with North Korea’s Air Koryo and Cuba’s Cubana de Aviación among the few.

However, the aircraft’s three-person cockpit, a unique feature of its Soviet-era lineage, sets it apart from more modern two-pilot designs. Despite these differences, Russian carriers, including national airline Aeroflot, are embracing the model. Aeroflot has already placed a significant order for 40 Tu-214s, reinforcing its strategic importance.

With S7 Airlines joining the ranks of Russian carriers moving towards domestically produced aircraft, the acquisition of 100 Tu-214s signifies a major step in UAC’s effort to reduce reliance on Western aircraft. As the new fleet takes shape, this deal strengthens the Russian aviation industry’s resilience, positioning it for a more autonomous future.