Private Jet to Link Surat with Mumbai
January 04, 24
(IDEX Online) - Diamond traders in Surat are reportedly buying a $3.6m private jet to ferry international buyers to the city's newly-opened bourse.
There are currently no direct flights between Surat and Mumbai, India's financial hub, and the journey by road takes at least six hours.
The vast $355m Surat Diamond Bourse (pictured) finally opened last November, increasing pressure for a quick link.
"For Surat to truly shine on the world stage, we need seamless air connectivity," an unnamed diamantaire told The Blunt Times.
"While private jets may be a temporary solution, they highlight the urgent need for a dedicated air link between the two cities." He said he'd ordered a $3.6m private jet for clients from the US, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Belgium.
Flights between Surat and Mumbai currently involve changes at Pune, Manohar, Jaipur, Chennai or Bengaluru.