Vijaypat Singhania, Renowned Aviator and Former Raymond Group Chairperson, Passes Away at 87

Vijaypat Singhania, the former chairperson of the Raymond Group and a celebrated aviator, has died at the age of 87 in Mumbai. Known for his remarkable achievements, including a world record for hot air ballooning, Singhania was also an honorary air commodore in the Indian Air Force. His legacy includes receiving the Padma Bhushan award in 2006. In recent years, he faced a public feud and legal issues with his son, Gautam Singhania. Discover more about his life and contributions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 08:16 IST

Tribute to Vijaypat Singhania

Vijaypat Singhania, a distinguished aviator and the previous chairperson of the Raymond Group, passed away in Mumbai on Saturday at the age of 87.

Since 1994, he held the honorary title of air commodore in the Indian Air Force and served as the sheriff of Mumbai in 2006. Singhania was at the helm of the textile powerhouse from 1980 until 2000.

He gained fame for achieving a world record in 2005, becoming the oldest individual to ascend in a hot air balloon to an altitude exceeding 69,000 feet at the age of 67.

In recognition of his contributions, he received the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2006.

In recent years, Singhania was embroiled in a public dispute and a legal confrontation with his son, Gautam Singhania.