E-Paper
A hint of Farnborough at Aero India in Bangalore
The 6th International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition will be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bangalore from February 7-11.
The 6th International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition, Aero India 2007, will be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bangalore from February 7-11. The Yelahanka air show is expected to bear an imprint of the famed Farnborough air show as the event is being jointly organised by Farnborough International Limited (FIL), the Department of Defence Prodiction and FICCI.
KP Singh, secretary, defence production, said, "Roping in FIL and FICCI had paid off. International and domestic participation this year has registered an increase of 45% and 40% respectively, based on bookings made."
The chiefs of 29 air forces, including those of the US and the UK, will be present at the biennial event. It is expected to attract 450 exhibitors, over 4,000 international visitors and 30,000 business visitors. Some of the world's best-known fighter aircraft — F-16s and F-18s included — will be showcased. Aero India seeks to promote products and services offered by the Indian defence industry. Exhibitors from 40 countries including USA, Russia, Sweden, France and Israel have confirmed participation.
More than 480 companies will showcase their aircraft and aerospace products at the show, which will also feature a daily flying demonstration. Indian aircraft such as the intermediate jet trainer, advanced light helicopter and advanced version of Cheetah helicopters would also be on display. Over 100 aircraft are expected to take part in the show with over 40 in the international category.
The infrastructure at Yelahanka has been scaled up. Runway length has been increased and taxiways have been widened.
The first edition of Aero India was organised at the same venue in 1996. Some of the other attractions at the show include an exclusive business jet chalet area, international aviation seminar and the Aero India golf tournament.
