India on an aviation shopping spree from Boeing

Bangalore, Feb 9: India is on a shopping spree. With the start of the Aero Show in Bangalore today (Feb 9) that promises to be bigger and better that all its previous editions, the world is definitely watching India.

Boeing has got a bumper order from India to deliver 107 commercial planes. India sure seem to have a formidable presence in the aviation sector and is getting ready to face the world with its fleet of impressive aircraft line up. India's defence scene is also seeing an updation and will be on par with any of the aviation powerhouses in the world.

Boeing India president Dinesh Keskar expressed optimism in the booming Indian market and said, "Fighter and attack aircraft, missiles and maritime patrol are a big component of this addressable market." Of the 107 commercial planes order, 37 aircraft's will be the 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

India will see a considerable rise in its air passenger segment and will see a 15% annual passenger growth in the next five years, according to Seattle-based Boeing. "Indian air carriers turning profitable, growth of tier 2 and 3 airports and India becoming a key military spender are the growth drivers," Keskar opined. But issues of fuel price hike and scary inflation levels could play spoilsport to India's growth plans. "If the fuel price goes up to $110, we are going to have a situation where airlines will have to increase prices. If prices go up, the growth may come down from 15% to 12%," Keskar added in apprehension.

India's defence budget has expanded to $31 billion for the next ten years. The shopping list will feature the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in the category of medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). Boeing is contemplating the import of C-17 Globemaster III, Apache, Chinook and P-81 to India as well.

OneIndia News