Though largely overshadowed by a heavy military presence, the business aviation sector made its voice heard at last month’s Aero India show in Bangalore (February 6 to 10). Serious obstacles continue to stand in the way of those trying to fulfill bizav’s undoubted potential in this vast emerging market (see box), but this has not deterred the major manufacturers from increasing their presence in India.During the show Embraer signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mumbai-based Indamer to provide maintenance support for the Legacy 500. The midsize jet, which is expected to enter service next year, is currently in the flight-test stage following last year’s maiden flight of the first prototype. Certification now is expected by the middle of next year, according to Jose Eduardo Costas, vice president of sales and marketing with Embraer Executive Jets.To date, the Brazilian manufacturer has delivered 18 of its business jets to India, including three Legacy 650s that arrived last year. This represents more than 10 percent of the Indian-registered fleet of just over 160 aircraft.
03/03/13 Neelam Mathews & Charles Alcock/AINonline
