Date:07/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/07/stories/2008100758270200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Civil aviation expo from October 15

Staff Reporter

Over 150 exhibitors to participate

To feature a theme pavilion showcasing the past, present and future of Indian civil aviation
Airfield area to display 37 international domestic aircraft from A 380 to Pushpak

HYDERABAD: The first ever International Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation-‘India Aviation 2008’, being held at Begumpet airport from October 15, would feature a theme pavilion showcasing the past, present and future of Indian civil aviation at the exhibition venue.

Photographs, models

Never before seen photographs and models would be on display in the pavilion during the course of the conference, a release informed. The international conference on civil aviation, to be held on October 16, will feature panel discussions by eminent aviation experts and industry leaders from more than 20 countries.

The conference aims to bring into focus the cutting edge issues in aviation sector and help prepare a roadmap for future development of aviation in the Country. Civil aviation ministerial delegations from nearly 25 countries have been invited to participate in the event.

The opening ceremony will be feature spectacular fly-past by Surya Kiran and Sarang helicopters from Indian Air Force, followed by parasailing, para-jumping and hot-air ballooning by Aero Club of India. One new Airbus 319 will be inducted in the Air India fleet, coinciding with the closure of the inaugural function.

Airfield area will display 37 international domestic aircrafts from A 380 to Pushpak, the smallest plane.

The composition of display includes Boeing 777, Airbus 340-400, Learjet, Global Express, Challenger, CRJ900, Gulfstream, Illusion, Hawkerbeechcrafts, Cessnas and helicopters.

Demonstration flights

There will be daily display and customer demonstration flights from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the exhibition would be open to public till September 18, release said.

The preparations at the venue are in full swing for construction of hospitality chalets and air-conditioned pavilions, covering an area over 12,000 square meters. More than 150 exhibitors from leading aviation and allied industries from around the world will participate in the exhibition. Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel will be inaugurating the India Aviation -2008, release said.