Article Posted on : - Aug 13, 2008

NEW DELHI (BNS): The five-day Seventh Edition of the Biennial International Aerospace Exposition, popularly known as Aero India – 2009 will be showcased at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore from February 11, 2009. Nearly 600 armament companies from several countries across the world, including from US and UK, are expected to take part in the mega event.
Addressing top officials from several ministries and organisations in Delhi recently, Defence Minister AK Anthony said that Aero India – 2009 should provide a benchmark for such shows organised in the world. Sounding a cautious note, the defence minister said that proper lessons must be learnt from experiences of holding such shows. “Enough care must be taken to ensure that every participant and stake holder goes back with happy memories of the show,” Anthony said.
The highlight of the show will be flying of some of the vintage aircraft from the Indian Air Force stable. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will be coordinating the show, while the Ministry of Defence will look into the interaction between small and medium equipment manufacturers in India and abroad. There is also a proposal to give exposure to technical and engineering college students to encourage them to be part of the country's design hub in aerospace technologies.
To augment the infrastructure in and around the Air Force Station at Yelahanka, the centre will be spending nearly Rs 20 crores. As a prelude to the event, Defence Research and Development Organisation and Aeronautical Society of India is organising a two-day international seminar on aerospace technologies from February 9, 2009.