Nextant Aerospace (Chalet B17) has big expectations for the Indian market for its 400XTi light jet and G90XT twin turboprop, which are respectively remanufactured Beechjet 400A/400XPs and King Air C90s. In fact, India has the largest entry-level jet fleet in Asia–17 percent of the $1.7 billion market–while deliveries in this segment have doubled over the past five years.

Arun Sharma, managing director for Aviators, Nextant’s sales agent in India, said both Nextant models offer the best value for their price. For the $4.95 million 400XTi, he is targeting customers who have orders pending for new entry-level jets but haven’t yet taken delivery. “We’re asking them to take a pause and look at the value proposition of the 400XTi,” Sharma told AIN. “The unfavourable exchange rate in India erodes the value for brand-new aircraft, and the 400XTi–with its 2,000-nm range with four passengers–is an ideal airplane for the region.”

The G90XT is being marketed by Aviators as a replacement aircraft in the country. According to Sharma, the average age of the 80 King Airs currently based in India is about 17 years, meaning that many operators will be looking for a replacement aircraft over the next few years.

In other news, Nextant will announce a deal today making Jet Aviation’s facility at Dubai International Airport an authorized maintenance facility for the 400XTi.