Bangalore, March 27, 2006, Madhuprasad N (Deccan Herald)

Aero India 2007 is expected to be much more bigger show than the earlier shows, MoD sources said.

Farnborough International Ltd (FIL), a subsidiary company of the UK’s Aerospace Trade Association, Society of British Aerospace Companies, has been appointed to run the international sales and marketing for Aero India 2007, to be held from February 7 to 11, 2007 at Air Force Station, Jalahalli in Bangalore.

FIL is the organiser of the world renowned biennial Farnborough International Airshow at UK.

According to Ministry of Defence (MoD) sources, the contract was signed early this month. Aero India 2007, will be organised by the Department of Defence Production of the MoD, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and FIL.

The show will cover the entire range of aerospace and aviation business activities - from parts suppliers to aircraft manufacturers, from technologies providers to service suppliers.

The Aero India 2005 attracted a record 380 exhibitors from the world’s leading industries in the field of civil and military aviation, aerospace and airfield upgrade.

The show included both air displays as well as static exhibitions of military and civil aircraft. Aero India 2007 is expected to be much more bigger show than the earlier shows, MoD sources said.

Aero India 2007 will include a two-hour flying display supervised by the Indian Air Force.

There will be 5 permanent halls and a number of temporary exhibition halls, more than 60 aircraft on static display.

The defence exhibition is also a demonstration of India’s global outlook, and as a potential major market for the aerospace industry.

The Aero India 2007 will provide a platform for international players in the aviation industry to seek potential market in India, the sources said.

Bursting market

Indian aviation sector is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. India is among the top ten countries in terms of defence expenditure and the third largest importer of defence hardware world-wide, says Trevor Sidebottom, Managing Director of FIL.

The Indian civil sector also represents a major opportunity following some key policy changes by the government.

Domestic airlines now have permission to fly to international destinations and the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has recently announced plans to modernise 35 airports over the next five years.

This will entail investment of over $ 3.5 billion, offering a huge opportunity to airport service and equipment suppliers.