Corporate jets market taking wings in India

Bangalore, Feb 8: India and its neighbouring countries hold the key to rapidly growing business aviation market that is taking the world by storm, aviation experts say.

And for the first time, private jet manufacturers, aircraft maintenance firms, private oil companies and airport operators are setting up dedicated fixed base operations (FBOs) in the country to tap this growing market.

FBOs like TAG, Hawker and Jet Aviation offer private jet owners one-stop service and also facilitate getting security and flight clearances, flight planning and custom clearances while flying in and out of the country. They also offer other value added services like car rentals, charters, private lounges and gourmet meals.

''A business jet gives you great flexibility with the ability to fly directly between cities,'' said Mr Robert Baugniet, Gulfstream's director for corporate communications.

''But it's important to match the range capability of a jet to key city pair requirements.'' Business jets provide many advantages including the ability to fly above the weather and above slower airline traffic, added Mr Baugniet.

In 2006, Indian corporates placed orders for anywhere between 110 to 150 private jets for both official and personal use.

''The market for private jets is just about to takien off in India,'' said Mr A J S Walia, chief executive officer of Aerostar Aviation which is involved in pilot training and operates a fractional ownership company under the brand Club One. ''It's important to get infrastructure and policy-level support from the government for FBOs to come into the country.'' Emergence of an upwardly mobile class, growing business footprint of corporates across regional centres and the resultant need for frequent business travel are driving demand for business jet in India, said Mr Ted Farid, vice-president for Raytheon's international sales division.

Business houses which have placed orders recently include groups like Reliance, UB, DLF, GMR, Suzlon, Videocon, TVS Motor, DS Constructions and Raymond.

As per Raytheon estimates, the demand for corporate jets in India is expected to grow by 25 per cent over the next three years while turbo-props are likely to rise along by 10 per cent.

Several industry experts participating at the Aero India 2007 said the country is likely to double its corporate jet numbers by next year to cross the 300 mark.

India, they said, is showing more preference to mid-haul rather, which is a shift from smaller turbo-prop. That's what ranks India among the top three growth markets globally outside the United States.

At least a dozen companies including leading corporate jet manufacturers like Textron Bell, Gulfstream, Embraer, Dassault and Bombardier are participating at the air show.

UNI