Charter Company Popular Among Politicians Under Spotlight After Plane Crash

New Delhi: Delhi-based aviation charter company VSR Ventures has come under scrutiny following the crash of a Learjet 45 in Baramati yesterday. The company, known for its popularity among politicians, has raised questions regarding its operational practices and regulatory compliance.

Trusted by Political Figures
The Learjet 45 was carrying Maharashtra’s former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at the time of the crash. VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd has long been a preferred charter operator for politicians, often providing aircraft on credit and extending flexible services to VIP clients.

Company Origins and Fleet
VSR Ventures began operations in 2014 with a Pilatus and a Beechcraft B-200. Over the years, the company has expanded to a fleet of 17 aircraft, including business jets and turboprops, catering to charter services, medical emergencies, and VIP travel. Industry insiders consider it one of India’s largest charter operators and among the top operators of Learjet aircraft in the country.

Ownership and Management
The company is run by Captain Vijay Kumar Singh and his son, both of whom are trained pilots. Captain Singh previously worked as Director of Aviation at India Hotels and then joined Air Charter Services in Delhi before launching his own company.

Why the Company Stands Out
VSR Ventures is known for extensively supporting political travel, often providing charter services on credit, where payments may take months. This flexibility has made it a go-to option for government and political clients.

Regulatory and Safety Questions
Aviation professionals have raised concerns regarding the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) recovery, maintenance, and operational adherence. Experts suggest that the DGCA should closely monitor charter operators catering to VIPs to ensure safety standards.

Cabin Crew Listed as Passengers
The flight manifest for the Learjet 45 reportedly listed cabin crew member Pinky Mali as a passenger, alongside Ajit Pawar and Vidip Jadhav, while the official crew included Captain Sumit Kapoor and Captain Shambhavi Pathak.

Why Cabin Crew Are Sometimes Listed as Passengers
Industry sources explain that cabin crew are required to be type-rated for specific aircraft and must hold BCAS crew passes for airport access. To navigate these requirements, some charter companies occasionally list crew as passengers, allowing them to operate on multiple aircraft types without re-certification or delays. Crew members often cannot raise objections due to job security concerns.

Insurance Considerations
Insurance obligations also drive this practice. DGCA mandates operators maintain insurance covering passengers, cargo, and crew. Listing some crew as passengers can be a workaround to meet certain policy requirements, though it raises concerns about safety compliance and accountability.