Weeks after a fatal air crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, India’s aviation regulator has grounded four additional chartered aircraft operated by VSR Ventures after identifying serious regulatory shortcomings. The aircraft, all belonging to the Learjet series, were suspended from operations following inspections that revealed failures to comply with approved safety and maintenance procedures. One aircraft from the same series had crashed on January 28 in Baramati, prompting heightened scrutiny of the company’s operations.
A visual investigation found that several prominent political leaders and film personalities had previously travelled aboard these now-grounded aircraft. Among those identified were Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, actor-turned-politician Vijay, and film star Rajinikanth. The findings highlighted how frequently the charter service had been used by high-profile passengers prior to the regulatory action.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that a multi-disciplinary audit uncovered multiple instances of non-compliance within the organisation, particularly in areas related to airworthiness, operational safety, and flight procedures. Although the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is yet to release its preliminary findings into the Baramati crash, the DGCA had already initiated a special safety audit of the Delhi-based charter operator following the incident. According to the regulator, gaps in maintenance practices and procedural adherence were significant enough to warrant immediate grounding of several aircraft.
Four business jets — registered as VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI — were grounded as part of the action. Another aircraft, VT-SSK, had crashed earlier in January, resulting in multiple fatalities including the deputy chief minister and crew members. VSR Ventures operates a fleet of 12 aircraft overall, comprising seven Learjets, three Beechcraft aircraft, one Pilatus, and one Embraer jet. Of these, only two Learjet aircraft, VT-DBL and VT-CR, continue to remain operational.
Investigations revealed that aircraft VT-TRI had previously carried several well-known passengers on multiple occasions, including senior political leaders and prominent film personalities. Another aircraft, VT-VRS, was also frequently used by high-ranking political figures, demonstrating the company’s strong presence in India’s charter aviation market, particularly among VIP clients.
The developments have also drawn attention to broader structural challenges within India’s private aviation sector. Charter aviation is a capital-intensive business where companies must balance high operational expenses, including aircraft acquisition costs, maintenance cycles, crew salaries, and regulatory compliance requirements. These financial pressures can place strain on operators, making strict adherence to safety protocols especially critical.
Financial disclosures from VSR Ventures illustrate this delicate balance. The company reported total revenue of ₹295.86 crore in the financial year 2023–24, while recording a comparatively modest net profit of ₹12.51 crore. In the following financial year, turnover reportedly crossed ₹420 crore, with net worth valued at ₹75.45 crore and profits improving to ₹27.67 crore. Despite growth in revenue and expansion of operations, the relatively narrow profit margins underscore the economic pressures faced by private aviation operators, reinforcing the importance of maintaining uncompromising safety standards alongside business expansion.
