There is a need to increase the number of business aviation airfields and FBOs in place and to ease the restrictions on when aircraft can land

“The Indian economy is growing strongly. India is important to Cessna and the expanding economy should soon support a robust business aircraft fleet and infrastructure. The Indian market has readily accepted both the Citation CJ2+ and the Citation XLS+ as particularly strong aircraft for the subcontinent, alongside the Citation Sovereign. These aircraft offer excellent short-field capability in hot climates and nonstop capability anywhere within India, so are well-suited to the market.

“There are currently 20 Cessna Citation aircraft operating in India, part of a total fleet of around 100 business jets. I would expect to see a total business jet fleet of 200-250 aircraft in India in 10 years’ time.

“There are nonetheless bureaucratic and regulatory issues that are not very favourable for the business jet market in India, such as high import taxes and the difficulty of transferring money into and out of the country. These issues are certainly inhibitors to the fast acquisition of aircraft. Furthermore, the limited business aviation infrastructure is currently an impediment to the development of the Indian business jet market.

“There is a need to increase the number of business aviation airfields and fixed base operators (FBOs) in place, and to ease the restrictions on when aircraft can land. Airports tend to prevent business jets from landing at peak times and without fixed base operators, business jet passengers need to be processed through the same terminal facilities, such as security, as all other passengers. Furthermore, a larger supply of professional aircraft management companies and indigenous pilots will be a key ingredient for further growth.

“By 2025, I would expect India to be in the top 10 individual countries for business jet ownership outside the US.”

—The author is the Vice President, International Sales, Cessna Aircraft Company