Patel opens firstever civilian aviation airshow at Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Oct 15 (UNI) The firstever civil aviation airshow opened here today against the backdrop of global meltdown and worrying times for the Indian aviation sector.

Inaugurating the 'India Aviation 2008' at the Begumpet Airport here, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said India would need an investment of 200-300 million dollars in the next 10-15 years in the entire spectrum of the aviation sector, including procurement of planes and airport infrastructure.

''Once aviation recovers in the world sector, India will be counted among the top 3-4 aviation countries in years to come,'' he said at the function where Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy was the chief guest.

Mr Patel, however, pointed out that some issues needed immediate attention with jet fuel prices being the primary one.

Besides, a lot of regulatory framework was required to make Indian aviation meaningful and sustainable, he said.

''We want to participate in business worldwide and so the business aviation needed to be explored,'' he said.

As many as 35 CEOs from major aviation companies are participating in the civil avaition exhibition and conference here with the United States being the partner country.

The event is organised by the Civil Aviation Minister in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

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