India’s Invision Defers Phenoms as Plan Changes

AINALERTS » APRIL 17, 2014

by  Neelam Mathews

April 17, 2014, 10:38 AM

India’s Invision Air has abandoned plans to build a wholly owned fleet of Embraer Phenom light jets, switching its business model to one based largely on aircraft management and a scheme to provide flights connecting smaller cities within the state of Maharashta. 

Under a deal signed in 2007, Invision held options for 18 Phenoms. But these are now “deferred and in abeyance,” according to Invision managing director Vinit Pathak, who added that Embraer understands the economic pressures that have forced the change of plan. He also told AIN that the manufacturer has been “very flexible.”

Invision is now evaluating other aircraft for the new services it intends to operate within the state of Maharashtra in the west of India. It intends to use 19-seat twin turboprops and expects to make its fleet decision in November, with plans to buy two or three aircraft for these operations.

India’s aviation regulations do not permit non-scheduled charter operators to publish flight schedules, although effectively they can sell individual seats on the aircraft and contrive for passengers to depart at the same time. Invision will also offer the aircraft for ad hoc charter.