Surat Diamond Barons To purchase Private Aircrafts Amid Mumbai Connectivity Woes

Surat: Forget traffic jams and delayed flights, the glitter of diamonds in Surat might soon have its own wings. With the much-anticipated Surat-Mumbai air link still a mirage, the Surat Diamond diamond barons are taking matters into their own hands, preparing to purchase private aircrafts to ferry international buyers directly to the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB).

For years, international diamond buyers have landed in Mumbai, only to face the arduous journey to Surat by railway or road routes, the global diamond polishing hub. This tedious commute, often marred by delays and logistical hassles, has long been a thorn in the side of the industry.

Sources in the aviation industry said the who’s who of the business world in Surat is set to purchase 10 aircrafts and a chopper. This includes,  an air ambulance to ferry the organs donated from the city to various hospitals in the country and private jets for the personal use of the businessmen.

The Surat Diamond Bourse, touted as the world’s largest office building is home to the largest diamond manufacturing companies like Kiran Gems, Dharmanandan Diamonds, Shree Ram Krishna Exports, Hari Krishna Exports etc.

But now, a group of three to four diamond barons are plotting a daring escape from the limitations of commercial aviation. They plan to acquire small, single-engine aircraft, capable of whisking buyers from Mumbai to Surat in a luxurious, time-saving flight.

“What if the airlines are not commence Surat-Mumbai air connectivity?” asks one of the diamond barons, who prefers to remain anonymous. “We can’t let international buyers suffer the inconvenience of ground travel. That’s why we’re exploring private jets.”

The baron, a veteran in the diamond business, has already placed an order for a sleek American aircraft worth Rs 30 crore. This flying jewel box will shuttle buyers from countries like the United States, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Belgium directly to the SDB, bypassing the Mumbai bottleneck.

“Imagine arriving in India and being whisked away to the heart of the diamond trade in minutes,” he enthuses. “It’s about convenience, efficiency, and creating a truly unique experience for our clients.”

The private jet initiative isn’t just a whimsical solution. The Surat-Mumbai air link, despite years of promises and proposals, remains elusive. This lack of direct connectivity not only affects diamond buyers but also hampers the city’s growth as a global diamond trade center.

“For Surat to truly shine on the world stage, we need seamless air connectivity,” says another diamond baron, echoing the sentiment of many. “While private jets may be a temporary solution, they highlight the urgent need for a dedicated air link between the two cities.”

The news of the diamond barons’ private jet plans has sent ripples through the industry. Some hail it as a creative and proactive solution, while others express concerns about the long-term sustainability and potential regulatory hurdles.

However, one thing is clear: the diamond barons’ audacious move underscores the growing frustration with the lack of progress on the Surat-Mumbai air link. Whether these private jets take off or not, their very existence serves as a reminder that the diamond city is ready to soar, one way or another.