In a significant development, six aircraft leasing firms including one headquartered at Ireland — the global hub for aircraft leasing — have been given licenses to operate from GIFT City in Gujarat. Officials said that seven more entities have applied for licences for starting operations. The development comes within six months of the Centre announcing a regulatory framework for making GIFT City an aircraft leasing hub.
The current demand for leased aircrafts is coming from flying clubs, air taxis and from corporates leasing out business jets. “Six licenses have already been issued to firms for conducting aircraft leasing activities from International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). Seven more companies have already applied for licenses which are currently being scrutinised.
