Aviation entrepreneur is finalist in Study UK Alumni Awards

Indian aviation entrepreneur and Essex graduate Mandeep Sandhu is a finalist in the Study UK Alumni Awards 2021-22.

Mandeep, who graduated from The Essex MBA at Essex Business School in 2015, is a finalist in the business and innovation category in India.

“I am absolutely thrilled and excited to be a finalist. It feels great to see my work being recognised on a global platform,” he said.

Mandeep is the Founder and CEO of AirLuxxis Aviation Services - a luxury travel business offering private aviation charters in India.

“I started my entrepreneurial journey by starting AirLuxxis Aviation Services in October 2018,” he explained. “The concept was to elevate the luxury travel business (private aviation charters) in India with the highest level of customer service and new concepts.”

The company offers clients multiple charter options and has also developed a mobile app for clients so they can book while on the go. These newly innovated concepts, coupled with the use of technology, made some revolutionary changes to a very traditional market.

Recalling his time studying at Essex, Mandeep said: “The University of Essex gave me a window from where I looked at things in a completely different perspective. It rejuvenated my professional and personal life, as I learnt so much in those months at Essex.”

One of the highlights at Essex for him was the diversity of students and academics which enriched his overall experience.

“The time at Essex also allowed the free flow of ideas, opinions, thoughts and led to a greater understanding about cultures from Scandinavian countries to Sub-Saharan Africa, and from South-East Asia to Latin America. This diversity added a new dimension to me and made me more confident as I could appreciate other cultures, their diversity and uniqueness.”

As for what sparked the direction of his business, he said: ”I think the spark came from the entrepreneurship and innovation module I did while pursuing The Essex MBA. That module certainly gave great confidence and sparked this journey.”

The Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumni and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries.