India Aviation expo to start in Hyderabad from March 14

Hyderabad, Mar 10: If it was Airbus's jumbo A-380 in 2008, Boeing's 'Dreamliner' 787-8 aircraft would be the cynosure of all eyes when it touches down in India for the first time for India Aviation-2012 expo, beginning here on March 14, in the centenary year of civil aviation in India.

The Dreamliner, which would be inducted into Air India fleet soon, would be on display for three days at the biennial aero show at the Begumpet Airport here.

Sukhoi's Superjet 100 aircraft, Airbus' A-318 and Embraer's business jets Phenom 300 and 100 would be the other attractions at the third edition of the International Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation, jointly organised by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will showcase its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) that is currently in the development stage. Powered by a single engine, the LUH is to be deployed for Reconnaissance and Surveillance role.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh will inaugurate the five-day event in the presence of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy. Singh will release a postal stamp and a coffee-table book on civil aviation too.

In all, 22 aircraft will be on static display, with 21 airline companies from across the globe will be participating. The beleaguered Kingfisher, which was one of the main sponsors of India Aviation in the previous two editions, would be missing this time.

While India is the host, UK will be the partner country', France the focus country' and the US guest country', said FICCI regional director (trade fairs) Lt Col Vivek Kodikal.

Andhra Pradesh would be the host state, Maharashtra the partner state and Karnataka the focus state at the event.

"The primary objective of the event is to attract investments in the aerospace sectors in the country in general and AP in particular," Vivek said. The show would be open to business visitors for the first three days, and to common people on 17th and 18th.

PTI