Latest news with #SkylineCharters
Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘You book the entire plane, not just a seat': Take a tour of a private jet used by Bollywood celebrities when they travel
In the world of Bollywood, time is money, and privacy is priceless. From back-to-back film shoots to global red carpets, India's top celebrities have taken to the skies in private jets that combine convenience, luxury, and discretion. One of the most favoured aircraft for these elite journeys is the Legacy 600, a 13-seater executive jet that offers far more than just a smooth ride. 'Most celebrities in the country prefer flying in this,' Maria Charles, Director of Skyline Charters, the woman responsible for orchestrating high-flying travel plans for the film industry's elite, tells The Hollywood Reporter India. 'It's a very comfortable 13-seater where you can get a lot of work done while you're flying private as well.' One of the most luxurious features of the Legacy 600 is its convertible cabin space. 'The cabin that I'm walking towards right now shifts into two very comfortable beds that can sleep two people… it can clearly be a private space when you're flying private,' she explains. Beyond the glamour, the logistics are just as impressive. 'I've activated flights in two hours also,' says Maria. 'The pilot has to reach the airport, the aircraft has to be fuelled, catering has to be ordered… because if he says 'I have to go,' he has to go. So you have to make it happen.' The booking process? Surprisingly swift. 'There is no time limit. If the aircraft is available and pilots are within duty limits, we can fly immediately,' she says. And forget long check-ins. 'It's hardly 15 minutes, not more than that. If you don't have luggage, you walk straight in, do your security clearance and you're on the aircraft.' As for what's served onboard, it's tailored to the traveller. 'Whatever you want — it may be continental, Mughlai, South Indian. Some like keema pav, others prefer hummus and pita. Many actors only want a continental breakfast when flying early.' The price tag for this exclusive experience? 'Anywhere between ₹18 to ₹30 lakh plus GST for a Bombay–Delhi sector, depending on the aircraft,' says Maria. While some might assume celebrities own their jets, she clarifies, 'It's basically on a rental basis only. You book the entire plane, not just a seat. You can travel alone or bring your friends and family, it's yours for the journey.' Private jet travel has long existed in the film industry, but its popularity surged post-COVID. 'After the restrictions and everything, people have started flying private more. It's not just convenience, it's a lifestyle now,' says Maria. And though she keeps names confidential, she does drop one charming detail: 'One is my childhood crush till date whom I have flown… I have a picture with him and I was really amazed because I could not have thought that I will fly this person.'
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Inside private jet Bollywood stars prefer: Rs 18-30 lakh for a round trip, compartments that transform into beds, check-in 15 minutes before take-off
Recently, we saw the Kapoor family — Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan — fly in a private jet from Mumbai to Delhi for the funeral and prayer meet of Karisma's ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur. Like the Kapoor family, many celebrities frequently rent private jets to conveniently and quickly travel to their destinations. Paparazzi often shoots celebs as they reach Mumbai's Kalina airport for flying off in a private jet. In a recent interaction with The Hollywood Reporter India, Maria Charles, Director of Skyline Charters, broke down every detail of flying in a private jet — including the cost of renting one, all the complimentary services provided to the stars, and the minimum time required to reach the private airport before departure. During the interaction, Maria shared that the Legacy 600 Executive Jet Aircraft, a 13-seater private jet, is the preferred choice of most celebrities. The flight typically includes two pilots and one cabin crew member, although the number of cabin crew can increase to two if there are more guests on board. She also offered a look inside the private aircraft, which is divided into two compartments. One of these compartments can be transformed into two beds, which can be separated by drapes, offering a private space within the jet itself. When asked how far in advance a person should book a private flight, Maria responded, 'No time limit is there, I have activated flights in 2 hours also. The operator needs 2 hours to activate the flight. The pilot has to reach the airport, aircraft has to fuel up, catering has to be ordered. Every pilot have to rest for 14 hours after every flight, so we have to check that and see if pilots can fly. If everything is in place then there is no time limit to charter business.' She also explained that charter flights can only fly during designated time slots, and they must book these slots. Only if the desired slot is available can the charter flight take off at that time. Clients are asked to arrive just 15 minutes before takeoff since they're using a private aircraft. She noted that since passengers go through a private airport separate from the main terminal, they don't have to deal with crowds. For domestic flights with luggage, guests must arrive 30 minutes prior, and for international flights, 45 minutes before departure — a significant contrast to the usual three-hour pre-arrival requirement for international commercial flights. She also shared that the celebrities are provided with local delicacies of the place that they are travelling to and anything under the sun for catering. Maria further explained that the cost of renting a private jet depends on the destination and flight duration. She shared an example, 'To fly from Mumbai to Delhi it takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, one way, so the total charter, round trip will be 4 hours and 30 minutes. So, any aircraft ranging from an XL to a Legacy will cost you between Rs 18 lakh to Rs 30 lakh plus GST for the round trip.' Beyond the time flexibility and exclusivity, another major perk for celebrities flying private is the hassle-free luggage process. Maria explained that airport staff handle the entire luggage procedure for celebrity passengers, who are asked to send their baggage ahead of their arrival. The luggage is checked in and loaded onto the aircraft before they even reach the airport. 'The luggage is sent on board before you reach the airport,' she added. She also shared that celebrities are offered local delicacies from the destination they are traveling to, along with virtually anything they desire when it comes to catering.
