Indian aviation majors to take part in Berlin Air Show

Bangalore, Mar 26 (UNI) To showcase their ability in manufacturing high-tech avionic and aerospace equipment, public sector majors HAL, BEL, BEML and ISRO will take part in the ILA Berlin Air Show in Germany from May 27.

Briefing newspersons on the air show, Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI) Secretary General Joseph Varkey said the air show would get the Indian aeronautic industry closer to the customer and political and military defence makers of Europe.

This assumes significance as the off-set clause, now in vogue in defence purchases, states that the foreign supplier of civilian and defence-based equipment should produce 50 per cent and 30 per cent of the equipment in India.

''This will give ample opportunities to both the PSUs and private aviation industry in India and Berlin is the ideal place to hardsell their wares,'' Mr Varkey said.

The Defence Ministry had been allocated 1,200 sq metres of exhibition area and SIATI and Indo-German Chamber of Commerce would facilitate the participants to travel to Germany, he added.

HAL Chief Manager (Marketing) Andrew Sunderaj, who was also present, said HAL would be taking three 'Dhruv' Advance Light Helicopters (ALHs) for the air show and there would be flying and static displays and demonstration for customers.

The indigenously built Intermediary Jet Trainer would be another aircraft that HAL would like to showcase in the air show, he said.

HAL would also take a 35-member delegation to push for business in the supply of spares for 'Dornear 228' aircraft for which HAL was the only active production line after Fair Child Dornear became defunct and was taken over by RUAG of Switzerland, he said.

HAL would also showcase its 'precision work packages' and other services, Mr Sunderaj added.

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