What the news means for luxury travellers
When a hotel chain that has been serving the world’s elite for more than a century announces a new private‑jet service, it signals a shift in how we think about travel. Minor Hotels, the parent company behind the Anantara brand, is moving beyond its familiar resorts and riverboats to offer a seamless, end‑to‑end experience that takes a guest from a private jet to a boutique hotel without a single lay‑over. The plan is set for 2027, and the implications for luxury tourism, especially in India, are significant.
Who is Minor Hotels?
Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group with a footprint that spans more than 30 countries. Its flagship brand, Anantara, is known for combining local culture with international standards of comfort. The group has built a reputation for creating unique stays that feel both luxurious and rooted in their surroundings.
For the past decade, Anantara has expanded across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Its portfolio now includes beachfront resorts, jungle retreats, and city hotels that cater to travellers who want more than a room; they want an experience that feels authentic and curated.
The new private‑jet experience
According to an exclusive interview with Ian Di Tullio, Minor Hotels’ chief commercial officer, the private‑jet initiative is in its final planning phases. The service will be launched under the Anantara brand and is expected to be ready for the 2027 travel season. The idea is straightforward: guests can book a private jet that will transport them directly to any Anantara property, where the rest of the journey—hotel stay, dining, excursions—is already arranged.
What makes this offering distinct is the emphasis on seamlessness. The jet will not just drop a passenger at the nearest airport; it will fly to a dedicated arrival point that connects to the hotel’s transport system. From there, a luxury vehicle or a dedicated shuttle will take the guest to the resort or city hotel without the need to navigate unfamiliar routes.
How this fits into the broader travel ecosystem
Minor Hotels already has a network of luxury transportation options. In Southeast Asia, the group operates riverboats that glide along the Mekong and the Mekong Delta, offering guests a relaxed journey that feels almost like a living postcard. Adding a private‑jet service expands this ecosystem into the skies, giving high‑net‑worth travellers a single, integrated solution that covers air, land and water.
For many luxury customers, the journey is as important as the destination. By coordinating every leg of the trip, Minor Hotels reduces the friction that often accompanies travel, especially when moving between continents or remote resort locations.
Why 2027? The timing of the launch
Launching a private‑jet service is a complex endeavour. It requires partnerships with aircraft operators, compliance with aviation regulations, and a dedicated crew that understands the brand’s service standards. The 2027 target reflects the time needed to build these relationships, train staff, and test the integrated service model.
It also aligns with a projected growth in luxury travel. Industry analysts predict that the segment will continue to expand, driven by rising disposable incomes and a growing appetite for customised experiences. By waiting until 2027, Minor Hotels can ensure that the service is fully ready to meet these expectations.
How Indian luxury travellers fit into the picture
India has become a major player in the global luxury travel market. The country’s high‑net‑worth individuals are increasingly looking for experiences that combine exclusivity, convenience and cultural immersion. Private jets are already popular among Indian elites, with many owning aircraft or chartering flights for business and leisure.
Consider the case of a well‑known Indian business magnate who recently flew his private jet from Mumbai to a Maldives resort that is part of the Anantara portfolio. The jet landed at a dedicated helipad near the resort, and a luxury car carried him to his suite without any airport formalities. Stories like this illustrate the potential demand for a fully integrated private‑jet experience in India.
Moreover, Indian travellers often value a personalised service that respects local customs. Anantara’s focus on cultural authenticity makes it an attractive option for Indians who want to experience local traditions without compromising on comfort.
Challenges on the runway
Launching a private‑jet service is not without hurdles. Regulatory compliance is a major factor; each country has its own rules regarding private aviation. Minor Hotels will need to secure permissions, ensure safety standards are met, and work with local aviation authorities to set up dedicated landing points.
Another challenge is cost. Operating private jets involves high fixed and variable expenses. The group will need to strike a balance between offering premium service and maintaining profitability. Partnerships with established aircraft operators can help spread risk and provide economies of scale.
Marketing the service to the right audience is also crucial. While the luxury segment is clear, the brand must communicate how the private‑jet experience adds value beyond a standard charter. Highlighting the seamless transfer to the hotel, the curated itinerary and the cultural immersion will be key messaging points.
Looking ahead: The future of luxury travel
Private‑jet travel is part of a broader trend towards hyper‑personalised experiences. From customised itineraries to tailored in‑flight entertainment, the luxury market is moving away from a one‑size‑fits‑all model. Minor Hotels’ new service fits neatly into this landscape, offering an integrated package that starts in the sky and ends in a boutique hotel.
As technology advances, we can expect even more connectivity. Think of in‑flight Wi‑Fi that allows guests to access the hotel’s concierge service while in the air, or mobile apps that sync the jet’s schedule with the hotel’s check‑in procedures. The goal is a frictionless experience where every touchpoint feels natural.
For Indian travellers, this could mean a future where a single booking covers the jet, the transfer, the stay and even local tours. It would allow them to focus on the destination rather than the logistics, a shift that aligns with the growing desire for experiential travel over mere sightseeing.
What to watch for as the launch approaches
- Official partnership announcements with aircraft operators.
- Details on dedicated landing and transfer points at Anantara properties.
- Pricing models that balance exclusivity with accessibility.
- Marketing campaigns that showcase the seamless journey.
- Customer testimonials from early adopters or pilot programmes.
These indicators will give a clearer picture of how the service will unfold and how it will be received by the luxury market, especially in India where demand for private aviation is on the rise.
Final thoughts
Minor Hotels’ plan to launch a private‑jet experience under the Anantara brand marks a bold step into the future of luxury travel. By integrating air, land and water transport into a single, curated journey, the group is positioning itself at the forefront of a market that values convenience, authenticity and exclusivity. For Indian travellers who seek seamless, high‑quality experiences, the 2027 launch could open a new chapter in how we travel to the world’s most coveted destinations.
