In a conversation with BW Retail World, Kanika Tekriwal, CEO and Co-Founder of JetSetGo, opens up about redefining private aviation in India, leading as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and why visibility, innovation and trust are core to her entrepreneurial flight path
You founded JetSetGo at 22 in a male-dominated sector. What moment convinced you that you could disrupt India’s private aviation space?
It wasn’t about disrupting the industry initially—it was about understanding why something so valuable felt so broken. I saw firsthand, during aircraft transactions, how clients were confused—about jets, services, and pricing. The turning point was realising no one was looking at the full experience. JetSetGo was born from that gap—bringing structure, transparency, and professionalism.
JetSetGo is often dubbed the “Uber of Indian skies.” What tech gives you the real edge over traditional charter firms?
We’re far more than a booking platform. We’ve built an integrated tech backbone that handles demand forecasting, safety, maintenance, crew logistics, and operations—all on one system. It brings control and speed. Traditional charters still run on disjointed manual processes. Our platform now powers over 95% of our charter requests across India.
With an expanding fleet and 100,000+ flyers, how does your aggregator model stay profitable in India’s price-sensitive market?
We treat every aircraft like a micro-business—tracking its own performance, cutting empty legs, aligning demand with availability. Our asset-light model means owners trust us to monetise their jets. The key? Working with price sensitivity, not against it. Our model ensures customers only pay for what they use, and owners see a return on underutilised assets.
How has JetSetGo adapted to post-COVID shifts in business travel?
Time and control became priorities. We introduced fractional ownership, flexible charter packages, and shuttle routes between key business cities. The biggest growth? CXOs and entrepreneurs travelling between factories and non-metros. This isn’t luxury—it’s high-impact, time-saving business mobility.
What’s been your biggest leadership learning as a woman in aviation?
Consistency. Aviation demands calm clarity. I’ve learned that credibility isn’t built during big speeches—it’s built in daily details. Being the only woman in the room pushed me to over-prepare. Now, it’s not about gender—it’s about execution. Real leadership is about dependability.
You made your Cannes debut this year—the first Indian aviation entrepreneur on that red carpet. What role does personal branding play in your sector?
In private aviation, trust is personal. Clients want to know who’s behind the business. Cannes was about visibility—not for me, but for Indian aviation. When people know you, they hold you accountable. That visibility makes the company stronger and builds trust even before the first flight is booked.
At Cannes, you joined the “Voices of Influence” panel. What message did you carry from India’s startup ecosystem?
That Indian entrepreneurs are defined by mindset, not geography. We’re global, ambitious, and self-built. As women leading capital-intensive sectors like aviation, our presence matters—it shifts global perceptions. I don’t just want to be the first at Cannes; I want to clear the path for others. Influence today is as cultural as it is financial.
Looking ahead to 2030, what metric will define JetSetGo’s success?
How deeply we’re embedded in our clients’ business lives. If JetSetGo becomes the go-to for decision-makers who value time and trust, that’s success. Metrics like fleet size and revenue matter, but our real value lies in time saved, problems solved, and business impact created. We want to be a strategic partner—not just a charter service.
