Hawker wants to consolidate its hold on the Indian business plane market
22 Sep 2007
Impressed by India's economic growth and the affluence of companies and high net worth individuals (HNIs) in India, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is looking at selling 120 mid-seized business jets in the country over the next four years.
The company is offering its flagship model, the Hawker 4000 super midsize jet, for around $21 million (Rs84 crore). This latest offering from the HBC stable is doing the rounds of Indian airports as part of its worldwide promotional tour. In the last six months, Hawker has sold three business jets in India, and plans to deliver three more in 2008.
The Hawker 4000 is specifically designed for harsh environments like India. It has advanced integrated systems and a composite fuselage. It is the only super-midsize business jet that has an inertial reference system for navigation plus an auto-throttle for total automation from take-off to touchdown, as standard features.
It can climb from sea level to 37,000 feet in just over 14 minutes. Its maximum cruise speed is Mach 0.84. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines deliver 6,900 pounds of thrust. Combined with the Hawker 4000's advanced wing design, they provide high altitude / hot temperature and short field performance.
The Hawker 4000's advanced composite fuselage features a 72-inch stand-up cabin with a 77.5-inch width. A flat floor runs the entire length of the aircraft, leading to a large baggage area. The baggage compartment is accessible on the ground through an exterior door or during flight through the cabin. The interior can be completely customised.
It can fly non-stop for 3,300 nautical miles. The plane has a bar and eight spacious seats. It can fly non-stop to Moscow, West Asia, Singapore, South East Asia and North Africa. Of the approximately 122 business, turbine-powered aircraft in India today, 73 are Hawker or Beechcraft planes, so maintenance is easy.
The company will set up a fully functional authorised service center at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi by early 2008, for maintenance, spares and service. The new facility will also provide ground handling, line maintenance, aircraft records management, charter management and pilot support.
InterGlobe General Aviation Private Limited, whose parent company operates Indigo Airways, is responsible for sales and servicing of Hawker products in India and the SAARC region. Flagship company InterGlobe Enterprises has varied business interests in hotels, airlines, air transport and IT services, and represents cruise operators in India.
