The fifth India Aviation 2016 air show concluded here on Sunday, with the industry bullish on the Indian market – expected to become the third-largest in four years time – with the proposed new National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 likely to give a boost to it.
Over 5,000 aviation and aerospace experts, including manufacturers, service providers, airport operators, airlines, technology service providers, investors, financial institutions, and market experts, from across the world participated in the event. More than 200 exhibitors from 12 countries took part in the event, whose theme this year was “Indian civil aviation sector: potential as global manufacturing and MRO hub”.
Leading aircrafts and helicopter manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, Textron, Embraer, Gulfstream. Dassault, Agusta Westland, Bell Helicopters, Russian Helicopters, and Airbus Helicopters participated in the show. Engine manufacturers – CFM, UTC, GE Aviation, Rolls Royce, and Pratt & Whitney – showcased their products and expertise.
About 29 aircrafts ranging from small business jets to big aircrafts were on display, like the B777 by Air India, Dornier by HAL, MI-172 by Pawan Hans, A 350 by Qatar Airways; A0330-300 by Air Asia, B-787 by Etihad, A 380 by Emirates, four Aerobatic aircrafts by Mark Jefferies, and A320neo by Air India.
Major announcements were made, including the Airbus plan to establish a pilot and maintenance training centre near Delhi, and the Telanagana government’s pact with Aero Campus Aquitaine of Bordeaux Metropole of France to set up India’s first training centre for skill development.
The five-day event inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee saw Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju releasing the FICCI-KPMG Knowledge Paper, where it said India was on its way to become the third-largest aviation market by 2020.
Civil Aviation Secretary R.N. Choubey said investments totalling US $ 12.1 billion was expected during 2012-2017, with US $ 9.3 billion coming from the private sector for construction of new airports, expansion and modernisation of existing airports, etc. .
The event began in 2008, and the sixth edition would be held from March 14 to 18, 2018.
