600 companies to participate in Aero India 2009 to be held in Bangalore

NEW DELHI: Nearly 600 foreign and national companies will participate in Aero India-2009, one of the largest international aerospace exhibitions, to be held in Bangalore next year.

Armament majors from several countries, including the US, Britain, Russia, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Brazil, Spain, Ukraine and the Netherlands, will participate in Asia's premier show starting February 9.

"Nearly 330 companies from 50 countries abroad and 230 from India will set up their exhibits at the seventh edition of the Biennial International Aerospace Exposition, popularly known as Aero India-2009 to be held at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore," a defence official said on Monday.

Around 100 different types of civilian and military aircraft will be on display in the show, whose event manager will be the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Defence Minister AK Antony chaired the first meeting of the apex committee of the exhibition here Friday.

"Addressing the top officials from several ministries and organisations, Antony said Aero India-2009 should be conducted in such a manner that it provides a benchmark for similar shows being organised in various parts of the world," the official said.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will bring out some of the vintage aircraft from its stable and fly them. The defence ministry will also facilitate interaction between the overseas original equipment manufacturers and Indian business houses.

"Similar interactions will also be encouraged between small and medium enterprises from home and abroad. Efforts are also being made to give exposure to students of technical and engineering colleges to encourage them to be part of the country's aim of becoming a design hub in aerospace technologies in the foreseeable future," the official added.

The central government will spend nearly Rs.200 million to augment the infrastructure in and around the Air Force Station Yelahanka.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

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