Private jets set for jumbo growth

Mumbai: The last decade saw low-cost carriers taking the flying experience to the common man. The next is expected to be where private business jets and helicopters will flit about the skies as companies seek faster growth, and people with higher disposable income spend more to reach their destinations quick and straight, soaring over infrastructure bottlenecks.
The hypothesis would mean Indians — both companies and rich people — will spend over Rs50,000 crore to buy private business jets and helicopters over the next decade, said the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa). The agency predicts India’s general aviation fleet would touch the 2,000 mark, or triple from the current figure of 680.
General aviation refers to business jets, helicopters, turboprops and planes with piston engines — that are for private use.
Amber Dubey, director of aerospace and defence, KPMG, the Big Four audit firm, concurs with Capa’s projection. “In the next decade, we expect the general aviation segment to grow at twice the pace of scheduled airlines. So, a fleet size of 2,000 looks realistic. This is, however, subject to corresponding enhancement in airport infrastructure across the country,” said Dubey.
22/02/11 Amritha Pillay/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Feb 2011