Pilatus, the Switzerland based single-engined business jet manufacturer, regional vice-president (marketing & sales Far East) Paul Justin Schilling said he was really looking at major Indian IT firms as potential customers. "I would not be surprised if IT firms with R&D centres spread in different parts of the country and abroad decide to have their own aircraft for smooth operations of business," he said.

But Mr Schilling's single engine P-12 has made its Indian foray through the old economy company - Tata Iron and Steel Corporation. Tata Steel, one of the few Indian corporates using business jets widely, has placed an order for the nine-seater business jet, Pilatus PC-12 for its corporate use. The jet costing around $3 million is expected to be delivered in the next 12 months.

The Bangalore-based Aviators, an aerospace service company, will be the sales and services agents for the Swiss company in India. Aviators managing director Arun Sharma said another five major Indian corporates belonging to both private and public sector would soon place orders for the P-12 aircraft. Negotiations were at an advanced stage with these people, he said, adding that Aviators had received nearly 80 trade inquiries from Indian companies.

Out of this nearly 30 were short-listed as potential customers, he added. Asked about any new economy company among this Mr Sharma said there were some "firm inquiries from such companies".

Public sector major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) also feel that the demand for business jets in the country is set to increase in the coming days. Addressing a seminar on international partnership in development and manufacturing in aerospace industry, HAL chairman CG Krishnadas Nair said a slight improvement in gross national product could result in a major upsurge in demand for products and services from the aerospace industry. This also creates a demand for smaller aircraft like business jets and feeder craft in the country. Mr Nair added that HAL was open to having joint ventures with international players in this segment to cater to the demands of this sector.

Leading players in the business jet segment like Reims Aviation of France, Embraer of Brazil are taking part in the Aero India 2001 currently under way in Bangalore.