Jaipur | Rajshree Upadhyaya | Founded in 2019 with the vision of making personal aviation more accessible in India, Avia Litewings has carved a niche for itself under the leadership of Air Marshal P.K. Desai, Wing Commander Jaydev Desai, and Group Captain Kedar Kakade. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the company was established by a team of highly experienced Indian Air Force veterans, with Wing Commander Jaydev Desai (Retd.) serving as its CEO.
Drawing on decades of military aviation experience, the founders envisioned a future where flying would no longer be limited to commercial airlines or expensive private aircraft. Instead, they sought to introduce lightweight aircraft that could cater to recreational flyers, adventure tourism operators, aviation enthusiasts, pilot training institutes, and a wide range of commercial applications.
Their innovative approach soon brought them into the national spotlight when they appeared on Shark Tank India, introducing viewers to a niche yet promising segment of the aviation industry.
Unlike conventional aviation companies, Avia Litewings focuses on gyrocopters and ultralight helicopters, offering aircraft that are easier and significantly more affordable to operate than traditional helicopters. The company believes these aircraft have the potential to transform short-distance aerial mobility while supporting sectors such as aerial surveillance, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and pilot training.
However, selling aircraft has always been only one part of the company’s broader mission. The founders are equally committed to building a comprehensive aviation ecosystem through pilot training, engineer training, maintenance and repair services, aviation consultancy, and aerosports initiatives, creating a strong foundation for the long-term growth of ultralight aviation in India.
Strong Focus on Safety, Technical Expertise and Responsible Aviation Practices
One of the company’s greatest strengths lies in the experience of its leadership team. Alongside Wing Commander Jaydev Desai, Air Marshal P.K. Desai (Retd.) serves as the Chairman and Managing Director, while Group Captain Kedar Kakade (Retd.) oversees operations.
Rather than developing entirely new aircraft platforms, the company has partnered strategically with renowned international manufacturers to assemble and manufacture selected aircraft for the Indian market. This approach enables Avia Litewings to leverage proven aviation technology while concentrating on localisation, customer support, training, and regulatory compliance.
The founders have consistently placed safety, technical excellence, and responsible aviation practices at the core of their business philosophy. The company’s appearance on Shark Tank India became one of the season’s most memorable pitches. Seeking Rs. 1 crore for 1% equity, the founders not only showcased their aircraft but also presented their vision of creating an entirely new category within India’s aviation landscape.
Although the Sharks appreciated the team’s military background, technical expertise, and long-term vision, they ultimately decided not to invest, leaving Avia Litewings without a deal. Nevertheless, the national exposure proved invaluable, introducing millions of viewers to the concept of ultralight aviation and significantly increasing awareness of the company’s mission.
Working to Expand India’s Ultralight Aviation Ecosystem
Today, Avia Litewings continues to actively pursue its vision of expanding India’s ultralight aviation ecosystem. The company regularly showcases its aircraft and training initiatives and has successfully completed the assembly and maiden flight of the Brako Gyrocopter in India in collaboration with an Italian manufacturer.
These achievements demonstrate that the startup has continued to grow well beyond its television appearance. While ultralight aviation remains a specialised sector with regulatory and market challenges, Avia Litewings has steadily established itself as one of India’s pioneering companies in this space. By combining military expertise, international partnerships, and a long-term commitment to aviation education and innovation, the company is working to make the dream of personal flying increasingly accessible to aspiring aviators across the country.
