By Wg Cdr T.K. Singha VSM, Indian Air Force PRO,
Ministry of Defense, New Delhi
The 8th edition of Aero India, being held in Bengaluru from February 9 to 13, 2011, is expected to surpass all previous editions of the premiere air show in terms of participation and volume. Organised by the Ministry of Defence and managed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Air Show will be inaugurated by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony on February 9, at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru. 675 exhibitors from 45 countries will showcase their aerospace merchandise and products. Despite an eleven-fold increase in gross display area from its debut in 1998, every available inch of space has been taken up by exhibitors, say the organisers. Official delegations from 45 countries are also expected at the airshow.
The show aims at bringing under one roof, exhibitors and other stakeholders from all around the globe to showcase the best in aviation and related technologies and products.
Civil aviation has been introduced in Aero India 2011 along with Aerospace sector and comprises 55 percent participation of the exhibition. Aero India 2011 will showcase the latest international technologies in the field of military and civil aircraft, vital components for aircraft engines, avionics systems and sub-systems, airfield radars in the defence and aerospace sectors.
Country wise participation of top eight countries includes USA, France, Germany, UK, Russia, Italy, Belgium and Israel. A total of 93 domestic and international aircraft will participate in Aero India 2011. The expected number of business visitors is 70,000, double from the last edition.
Karnataka Government, which has earmarked over 900 acres of area near the Bengaluru International airport to develop aerospace industries, is participating as an exhibitor for the first time.
The organizers estimate 1,75,000 general visitors, a growth of 29 percent over the last Aero India in 2009. Air Display Viewing Area (ADVA) has been significantly increased to cater to growing number of the public viewers. The air displays will be held twice daily between 1000-1230 hrs and 1430-1700 hrs.
Apart from the daily displays by IAF’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team and Sarang helicopter display team, a major attraction at Aero India 2011, will be the debut by Flying Bulls Aerobatics Team at the air show. With its precise and impressive performances, the team has managed to secure a fixed place in the global aerobatics scene and has an outstanding international reputation.
Welcome to Yelahanka. Your place on Earth, next week!
(Note from blogger: The masthead of Tarmak007 would continue to sport the Justice for Jetly campaign theme, even during the Aero India season. First-time visitors may please read the campaign details by searching previous posts. The blogger and colleagues from the Bangalore Media would step-up the Justice for Jetly campaign during all official press meets to be addressed by the stars from the South Block.)
