Jet Set Go: Kanika Tekriwal’s Journey of Building India’s Largest Private Aviation Empire
In the world of high-stakes business, time is the ultimate currency. Yet, for many years, private aviation in India was a fragmented, inefficient maze. Kanika Tekriwal, a Marwari entrepreneur with a pilot's heart, set out to change that. She didn't just want to fly planes; she wanted to enable the fastest possible connectivity from point A to point B. Today, her venture Jet Set Go (JetSetGo) operates India's largest private jet and helicopter fleet, disrupting the sky with a focus on value creation rather than just "problem-solving."
Kanika's journey is one of immense grit. From starting as a one-woman show at the age of 16 to navigating a year of illness and eventually owning her own aircraft, she has transformed private travel into a vital tool for businessmen, politicians, and emergency responders alike.
Jet Set Go Core Offerings
- Private Jet & Helicopter Charter: Global point-to-point travel with just a few clicks.
- Jet Steals (Empty Legs): Access to private jets at a fraction of the cost by utilizing return flights.
- Religious Pilgrimages: Specialized helicopter services for Chardham and other remote religious sites.
- Emergency Response: Air ambulances for medical rescue in far-flung areas.
- The Future (eVTOL): Transitioning to electric Intercity transport (e.g., electronic city to Bangalore airport in 10 minutes).
Value Creation Over Problem Solving
Kanika holds a provocative view on entrepreneurship: businesses shouldn't just solve problems. "Apple didn't solve a problem by creating the iPhone. Facebook didn't solve a problem by creating Facebook. Businesses are about creating value and changing the way we live life," she argues. For Jet Set Go, that value is the compression of time—enabling a businessman to visit five factories across the country in a single day.
While technology like Zoom and FaceTime has reduced the need for some meetings, Kanika believes physical presence remains essential for signing deals or connecting with family. Her role is to make that physical connection as fast and seamless as possible.
— Kanika Tekriwal, Founder, Jet Set Go
The Early Days: Frugality and the "One-Woman Show"
Jet Set Go didn't start with a massive fleet. In the first six or seven months, Kanika ran the entire company herself. "I used to answer the phone with different names just to seem like a bigger team," she admits. Her initial hypothesis was a marketplace for private jets, but when her first booking failed because a service provider walked out, she realized she needed to move into aircraft management and ownership.
This early "struggle phase" taught her the importance of frugality. She believes that starting from the ground up requires asking potential customers directly if they would use the product, rather than relying on expensive research. For her, the "best marketing dollar" is spent on customer service.
The "Ultimate Growth Hack": Customer Service
In a world of trendy business terms like "pivots" and "hacks," Kanika's secret formula is simple: make your product so good that people can't help but talk about it. "A growth hack is making your product the best damn product out there. Then you don't need sales or marketing; your customers will sell it for you."
Kanika's Growth Blueprint
- Invest in Customer Service: Founders should be involved in customer interactions every single day.
- Admit Mistakes: "There is no bigger growth hack than apologizing to a customer when you make a mistake."
- Inspire Word of Mouth: 100 champions talking about your product are more valuable than any paid digital campaign.
- Repeat Orders are Key: Don't lose a customer through poor after-sales service; consistency builds empires.
Ethical Leadership and Human EQ
Kanika is a strong advocate for **Ethical Leadership**. She believes the era of companies driven solely by "exit valuations" or "IPO numbers" is fading. Today, talent wants to join founders who are honest, integral, and human. "Having an emotional quotient (EQ) as a leader is extremely important. Don't shy away from showing your emotions," she advises.
This human-centric approach has allowed her to build a team of some of the best people in the aviation industry. She views her people as the core engine of the business, believing that even the best product will fail without a team that believes in the founder's vision.
The Future: eVTOL and 10-Minute Intercity Flights
Looking ahead, Kanika is focused on the next evolution of transport: eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing). Her goal is to enable intercity transport where traveling from a city center to an airport (like Bangalore's Electronic City to KIA) takes only 10 minutes and costs about the same as an Uber ride. By democratizing the sky, Jet Set Go aims to make private aviation not just a luxury for the ultra-rich, but a functional tool for urban mobility.
Lesson for Founders: Self-Belief
"You have to be your biggest believer, motivator, and encourager. If you don't believe in yourself, the world won't either. Turn every 'No' into a stepping stone to success, and nothing can stop you."
About the Guest
Kanika Tekriwal is the Founder of Jet Set Go. A cancer survivor and a relentless entrepreneur, she started her business journey at 16. She belongs to a Marwari business family and has worked in corporate aviation in the UK and India. Recognized as one of the most powerful women in Indian business, Kanika has been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and is a leading voice for ethical leadership and sustainable aviation.