Empire Aviation eyes Indian private jet market

Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group has said it plans to start its operations in Mumbai, India, to serve the market for private aviation by mid 2011. The company will initially focus on aircraft sales and management. The company is set to participate in the inaugural Kerala Aircraft Static Display Show 2011 to be held in Cochin.

Steve Hartley, Executive Director at Empire Aviation Group sees private jet registrations have continued to rise strongly over the last three years in India. "Market reports suggest that there are around 130-140 private jets currently based in the market, covering all the major manufacturers. The market opportunity is especially attractive for our aircraft management services, in which we take owners’ aircraft onto our mixed fleet and manage, operate and charter them on behalf of the owner. We believe there is also good potential for new and pre-owned aircraft sales, in a market which is clearly recognising the benefits of private aviation and as the aviation infrastructure develops rapidly to accommodate and support this trend,” he said in a statement.