Rafale jet's date with the moon captured by MoD
spokesperson Sitanshu Kar during Aero India-2011.
By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service
Bangalore: Triggering the imagination of aviation aficionados across the world, particularly those in the aviation capital of Bangalore, the Ministry of Defence has set the ball in motion for the 9th edition of International Exhibition on Aerospace, Defence and Civil Aviation. The next edition will be held from February 6 to 10 at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bangalore.
This puts to rest the rumours hovering around about a possible shift of venue and even cancellation of the event. Speculations were strong that the show would be shifted this time out of Bangalore with the air traffic restrictions it would impose on the BIAL airport. In 2011, BIAL had to tweak its schedules in tune with the air display plans, causing concerns to many. A section of aviation pundits also argued that the air show has lost its sheen, after Dassault clinched the $10-plus-billion deal for 126 Rafale jets.
Speaking to City Express, Sitanshu Kar, spokesperson for Ministry of Defence, said that the official countdown has already begun. “While it might be too early to say who is coming and not, we have got into the air show mode. In 2011, we had exhibitors participating from 29 countries, including 675 companies (380 overseas and 295 domestic). In addition close to 50 overseas delegations touched down in Bangalore. We will get a clear picture about this year's show in the coming days,” Kar said.
It's just 64 for more days from today, for the plane carnival.
