Finance, Taxes, Insurance
India’s Aircraft Leasing Sector Gets More User-friendly
New options for operating leases are starting to become more common

After years of difficulties importing business aircraft to India due to complex approval processes and high import duties, operators are now pivoting toward lease options to refresh and expand fleets. However, as became apparent in discussions at the recent Corporate Jet Investor conference in Delhi, these options are not without complexity and require expert help.

Gujarat International Finance Tec‑City (GIFT City), which is India’s new financial services hub, is facilitating aircraft leases in part by allowing foreign lessors to set up a special purpose vehicle with significant tax advantages. The center is mainly focused on Indian aircraft operators seeking offshore‑style benefits without the friction that can come with these terms.