TezJet’s older-aircraft strategy and regional airline economics

Episode 55 with Arun Kumar Singh, the CEO of Kyrgyzstan-based TezJet.

From the hyper-regulated regional skies of India’s UDAN scheme to the mountainous terrain of Central Asia, Arun’s journey is as unique as the fleet he operates. With TezJet launching its direct Bishkek-Delhi service this week, we dive deep into the operational reality of connecting India with Kyrgyzstan. But this isn't just a route launch conversation—it is a deep dive into fleet strategy, unit economics, and aviation history. In this episode, we discuss:

The Return of the Mad Dog: Why TezJet operates the MD-83 (including the last one ever built!) and the Avro RJ85 in an era of A320neos and 737 MAXs.UDAN Reality Check: Having led IndiaOne Air, Arun gives a brutally honest take on why regional connectivity in India cannot survive without subsidies.Kingfisher Untold Stories: Arun shares shocking anecdotes from his time at Kingfisher Airlines, including the story of how Vijay Mallya ordered a fleet of Airbus A340s during a lunch at a London pub—a meal that cost $550 million.Old Jets, New Tech: How TezJet balances flying 28-year-old analog jets while using cutting-edge AI pricing tools like RateGain.Engine Woes: Why Arun is taking Pratt & Whitney’s recovery timeline with a "pinch of salt".

Whether you are an aviation professional tracking CASK and yields or an enthusiast nostalgic for the MD-80 series, this episode is packed with unfiltered insights. Tune in now!

Arun Kumar Singh - @AKS9955 Vishal Mehra - @vishal1mehra