Article Posted on : - Oct 03, 2008

India is all set to launch its first civilian air show at Hyderabad

NEW DELHI (BNS): India is all set to launch its first civilian air show at Hyderabad, capital of southern state Andhra Pradesh, from October 15. The event has generated quiet a bit of interest in the global aviation industry as it has come at a time when the sector is looking for ways to come out of the deep crisis.

Global aircraft manufacturers are hoping that they would return with their order books full. India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world along with China. The industry is looking up to the Asian market in its search for a revival strategy.

With airlines folding up every other day, the manufacturers fear that the demand of aircraft would slow down. This would have a negative impact on the assembly line. To maintain high cost operations in running condition, the companies need more orders.

India holds military aircraft show called AeroIndia every two years in information technology hub Bangalore, located not very far from Hyderabad.

The Indian civil aviation ministry now wants to make Hyderabad permanent venue for the air show styled on its more famous counterparts in Europe, America and the South East Asia.

Hyderabad has recently got its new airport which has already won accolades from the passengers and airlines for its modern facilities and increased air traffic handling capacity. The venue of the air show would be Begumpet Airport, which was the city's main airfield till the new one came into existence.

The show organisers are upbeat about the participation from global players. Already, more than 150 exhibitors including all the leading companies had registered for the show. Representatives from 25 countries would be present at Hyderabad providing an ideal business setting.

Boeing, Airbus, EADS, Cessna, Bell are the few top companies that would exhibit its products. Local aviation giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited would also have a sizeable presence.

The special attention this year would be on the Russians. This is the first time Russia is entering Indian civil aviation market in a big way. It would be showcasing its Superjet 100 regional jet.

Another highlight would be the presence of mammoth A-380. The giant aircraft from Airbus generates interest among aviation enthusiasts wherever it goes. The aircraft could be seen on the tarmac as well as flying.

Airbus would have a big moment as on the opening day it would deliver an A319 to Air India while private airline Kingfisher would get A 340.

Boeing would match the Airbus camp by introducing Boeing 787 or Dreamliner. The aircraft, which is expected to hit the market in 2009, is claimed to be one of the most sophisticated civil passenger jet.

There would be a large number of small and regional jet manufacturers who would look to storm the Indian market where growth potential was enormous. At the moment, India has only 250-odd aircraft. With the Indian economy growing steadily at 8 per cent GDP level, experts anticipate more need for new aircraft. It is expected that by 2020 India would add 500 civil aircraft.