Do you feel enthralled to see an Indian name on Hollywood movie credits? Are you intrigued by the stories of Kamala Harris, Leena Nair, or Sundar Pichai that manifest Indians’ potential for global glory? Inspired by narratives in which a commoner has had a career journey that seems to defy convention and expectation?

These tales are captivating because they are rare. And, people who have been through such rare journeys teach us a lot. They do not just achieve success but also inspire several youngsters to chase their dreams. Prerna Challu Fogat, the Founder of Norse Aviation is one such gem, here with Women Entrepreneur Magazine to share interesting aspects of her journey. Take advantage of wise thoughts from this meticulous entrepreneur.

What is some important expertise of your brainchild, Norse Aviation?

We specialize in aircraft acquisition, especially in matching supply and demand for short, medium, and long-term aircraft solutions. As a trusted consultant, we bridge the gap between airlines, leasing companies, and financial institutions, ensuring seamless transactions that meet the unique needs of each client. Our expertise spans the full range of aircraft, from the smallest corporate jets to the most popular airliners, including narrow and wide-body planes, passenger and cargo aircraft, helicopters, and even aircraft engines and parts. With  a focus on Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, we provide global solutions that are customer-centric and relationship-driven. Our experience and determination to provide the best solutions create synergistic partnerships with our clients, and we approach every transaction with loyalty and unwavering commitment to excellence.

What inspired you to establish Norse Aviation, and what is the underlying idea behind the venture and its primary areas of specialization?

We all have that moment in our lives when we realize what we're truly passionate about. After years of working in different industries and areas of aviation, I found that my true niche was in the asset management side of the aviation industry. I loved learning about aircraft operations, sales, and financing - the technicalities fascinated me!

And then came the idea of Norse aviation. It wasn't just about creating a business, but about creating something that truly resonated with my beliefs and values. I wanted to have the independence and platform to create something valuable and take it to market in my own way. Luckily, I found a business partner, whose ideology and working ethics matched mine; and together, we formed Norse aviation.

And where else could we have done it besides Dubai? A place that embodies the spirit of freedom and entrepreneurialism. Dubai is a global hub, making it easy to connect with clients and suppliers from around the world. It was like everything fell into place at just the right time. So, here we are, almost a year later, with Norse aviation specializing in Aircraft Acquisition Consulting and Services.

What has been your success mantra?

I don't believe there is any one thing that makes you successful. It's a combination of several factors. Firstly, knowing your job and the industry inside-out is crucial. You also need a mix of intuition and business sense to understand the needs of your clients and find the best solutions for them. We are essentially solution providers, and it's vital to understand the complexities of the aviation industry, including the financial and technical aspects of aircraft operations.

"Know Your Trade, Remember There Are No Shortcuts, Invest In Yourself, Study, Understand, & Keep Yourself Updated"    

What is your take on women’s representation in the Dubai business landscape?

Dubai is one of the most forward-thinking and future-oriented places that I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I first visited in 2002, when Dubai was only a fraction of what it is today. Witnessing the city's incredible growth and evolution has been an incredible journey. A nation cannot be progressive if only some sections of it are developing. Dubai is definitely progressive because of its inclusivity and acceptance. Whether it's gender-based, class-based, or any other minority (religion, ethnicity, or nationality), Dubai understands how to bring everyone together. They have created a platform that provides support for all small businesses, including those run by women. This support has been especially meaningful in the wake of COVID, which has made the world more respectful of small businesses.

While my industry, aviation, is still largely male-dominated, I have found an incredible amount of support and encouragement to take on leadership roles. I'm proud to be a part of a community that values diversity and inclusivity, and I look forward to continuing to grow and thrive in this dynamic business landscape.

Prerna Challu Fogat,  Founder,  Norse Aviation

Prerna holds a Master's in Aviation and Aerospace from IIM Bangalore and Toulouse Business School, France, and a graduate degree from Delhi University. She comes with an initial background in sales in various industries including retail banking, software training, FMCG, and institutional distribution. Her entry into the aviation industry happened 15 years ago with Seawings. She later pursued certification courses in the financing of aircraft and legal aspects of the aviation industry. Prior to founding Norse Aviation, she held executive leadership roles at Air Charter International and ACI Aviation as well.