FE Exclusive | Sky One focuses exploring new investments and expansion opportunities, especially in Indian aviation sector, says Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman, Sky One – Airlines/Aviation News

Sky One a boutique aviation and leasing company based in the UAE, has diverse aviation assets with a prominent impact across all areas of modern aviation. Sky One provides vast products and services like Cargo Charter, Asset Trading, MRO, ACMI, Capacity Optimization, Consultancy, Passenger Airlines, Training, Helicopters, Spare Parts, Flight Operations Support, Relief Support, and Venture Capital. In a Financial Express exclusive interview with Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman, Sky One, talks about Sky One’s role in the aviation industry, its diverse portfolio of aviation assets and much more. Excerpt:

Q: Please provide an overview of Sky One’s role in the aviation industry, including its range of products and services?

Sky One is a boutique aviation and leasing company based in the UAE, offering a comprehensive range of services across the aviation sector. We specialize in dry leasing, MRO, airline startups, cargo charters, relief missions, and specialized Hajj and Umrah flights, serving as a key provider of capacity optimization solutions to airlines, agents, and forwarders.

Additionally, Sky One provides aviation training, boasting simulators approved by EASA, UK CAA, and other regulatory bodies. Our top-notch training covers A320 NEO/CEO, B737 CL/NG, and B747-400F for pilots and airlines alike. Moreover, we offer a full range of maintenance services through our hangar in the UAE, providing base and multiple-line maintenance facilities.

We have operations in Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Libya, Romania, India, and other countries across Asia and the Middle East, we extend our impact through 24/7 full-service fueling, ground handling, and flight services. Sky One excels in the sale and trading of wide and narrow-body aircraft, as well as helicopters. Our strategic approach involves purchasing airframes and leasing engines to other lessors, minimizing exposure to aging assets and promoting viability for startups.

Q: How does Sky One distinguish itself in the market with its diverse portfolio of aviation assets, both rotor and fixed-wing?

We are a 360* solution provider for the aviation sector and we distinguish ourselves by years of reliable associations with other operators and service providers.

Q: Can you elaborate on Sky One’s specialised charter business for passengers going for Hajj and Umrah? What sets it apart from other charter services?

We do not run a specialised charter business for Hajj and Umrah, however, we have on multiple occasions provided capacity optimisation to many airlines at the peak travel times of Hajj and Umrah.

Q: What are the key regions where Sky One operates its fleet of helicopters and aircraft? How does it strategically position itself in these regions?

We have helicopters working in firefighting in Indonesia and Malaysia. We also have helicopters in North-East India also.
Our aircrafts are with clients across the middle east, CIS countries and Europe. Our entire focus has always been on being a reliable solution provider – that has over the years become our strategic position across all regions.

Q: How does SkyOne FZE contribute to the aviation industry, particularly in aircraft buying, selling, and leasing? Can you explain its role in financing aviation startups?

One of the biggest hurdles in an airline is buying an aircraft, by providing the option to lease we help airlines get started with a better chance of sustained returns. With a track record of setting up airlines globally, Sky One acts as an airline incubator, offering turnkey solutions to startups where we support their transformation and growth to a self-sustaining airline.

Q: What services does SkyOne FZE offer, and how are they tailored to meet the needs of the aviation industry?

Sky One is headquartered in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and specializes in a wide array of aviation services. From Cargo Charters to Asset Trading, from Training to Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), Airlines and from advisory to capacity optimization, Sky One’s portfolio is expansive. It offers a range of services including charters, crew training, operations, and maintenance. Its services and solutions are carefully designed to cater to the diverse needs of the aviation industry. This versatility sets the company apart as a one-stop solution for aviation companies across the globe.

Q: Could you provide more details about Pier Seven Aviation Academy? How does it contribute to the training of aspiring pilots, and what sets it apart from other aviation academies?

Pier Seven Aviation provides high-quality flight training and education to aspiring pilots from all over the world since 2015. Pier Seven Aviation’s state-of-the-art facility and experienced instructors have made it a sought-after premier aviation school in the region. It has gained the confidence of the aviation industry because of the competent staff, comprehensive teaching modules and certified courses that have helped a generation of pilots advance their skills and career prospects.

Q: In what ways does Pier Seven Aviation Academy ensure excellence in pilot training? How does it prepare students for careers with renowned airlines?

Pier Seven Aviation Academy ensures excellence in pilot training through EASA approval, accredited courses, and experienced instructors. It prepares students for careers with renowned airlines by offering challenging yet rewarding programs tailored to industry standards, fostering skills and confidence essential for success.

Q: Can you discuss any recent developments or expansions within Sky One Group, SkyOne FZE, or Pier Seven Aviation Academy?

Sky One is focused on exploring new investments and expansion opportunities, especially in the Indian aviation sector. We have already submitted a bid for Go First Airways and will devise strategies in congruence with further developments. The growth in the leasing sector, MRO services, and the demand for trained aviators also bodes well for us. The emergence of GIFT City and the Government’s focus on developing India as a leasing hub also align well with our broader plans for expansion in the country.

Q: How does Sky One Group maintain its status as one of the leading privately-owned aviation companies in the Gulf region?

Sky One Group sustains its premier position in the Gulf region by leveraging the Middle East’s strategic geographic advantage for global connectivity. Bolstered by supportive infrastructure, the region fosters aviation growth. Sky One offers comprehensive 360-degree solutions, facilitating startups, spare parts, MRO and training support, thus cementing its stature in the industry.