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Dec 2006

Aero India to have private sponsorship for first time

     New Delhi: The sixth Aero India - 2007, the biennial International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition, to be held at Bangalore's Yelahanka Air Force Station from February 7- 11 2007, will have 450 exhibitors participating in it. "The Indian defence industry is going through growth. Earlier, the Aero India show was done just by the defence departments, but now the private industry has been given a bigger role by giving it 40 percent participation in the show. The best commercial and fighter aircraft in the world would participate in the show. By roping in FICCI, we have brought in the Farnborough also through them," said K P Singh, Secretary Defence Production, addressing the media here today. The event, one of the largest international exhibitions organised in the country is being jointly organised by the department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Farnborough International Limited (FIL), making it 45 percent international participation and domestic private industry participation 40 percent. Companies from over 30 countries will display their wares in an area of 30,000 square metres of outdoor space and 25,000 square metres of indoor space, which is an increase of about 40 percent gross indoor exhibit space from the last Aero India show held in 2005. Delegations from over 50 countries, including the Air Force Chiefs of countries like USA, Australia, Canada, UK, Spain, Myanmar, Sri Lanka will participate in the conference held during the five-day show.

     "For the first time the F-16s and the F-18 Super hornets of the USA will participate along with the C-130J, P-3 Orion, Bell choppers of the US, Russia's Mig-29M, Sweden's Grippen and Falcons from France besides our indigenous different versions of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Advanced Light Helicopters, Intermediate Jet Trainers and the new versions of the Cheetahs and the Chetaks. We have invited China, but they haven't confirmed their entry into the show," added Singh. Close to a 100 aircraft are expected to participate with around 40 in the international category, and 60 commercial aircraft. A special focus 'Business Aircraft Arena' is being created for the display and demonstration of business aircraft. The Aero India Show which began in 1996 has come a long way, with more than three lakh spectators expected to witness the show this time. Infrastructural development is on in a big way with the runway at the Yelahanka IAF station being re-laid and its length being increased, roads being widened and outdoor display area, chalets and static display areas being increased. Five new hangars each with an area of 1320 square metres have been augmented this year totalling to ten to meet the growing demand. Communication facilities have been enhanced by creating a Wi-Fi zone at the venue for the first time. A golf tournament also has been organised for the delegates. The government is looking at the event as an opportunity for better revenue generation compared to the last show.
-Dec 20, 2006