Wednesday, March 14, 2012

India Aviation-2012 gets Underway at Hyderabad

‘India Aviation-2012’, the 3rd edition of the premier international exhibition and conference on civil aviation was inaugurated by the Minister for Civil Aviation Ch. Ajit Singh at Hyderabad on March 14. Aiming to showcase and share with the stakeholders growth opportunities in Indian aviation sector, the five day event would bring together senior Government officials, aviation business leaders, airlines, airport operators and regulators, air navigation service providers, aircraft component manufacturers and technology providers. The country pavilions from UK, France, USA, Russia, Belgium, New Zealand, Canada and several other countries and leading business and commercial aircraft manufacturers are on display. The event will witness over 25 aircrafts for static and flying display at the show.

The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Jaipal Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Kiran Kumar Reddy, Dr.Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Kamaleshwar Prasad, Member, Postal Services Board, Shri R.V.Kanoria, President, FICCI and Dr. Dinesh Keskar, Chairman, FICCI Civil Aviation Committee participated in the inaugural. Ms. Elisabeth Dallo, head of International Cooperation, DGAC, France, Mr. Peter Burleigh, Charged’ Affaires, US Mission in India were also present to reinforce the cooperation of their respective countries.

Reiterating the government’s commitment towards the development of the aviation sector despite the challenges faced due to rising fuel costs, fierce competition, infrastructure bottlenecks, Ch. Ajit Singh said that several initiatives have been taken in setting up new regulatory framework. The Minister said that the Government is planning to bring in Indian Navigation System Master Plan which includes significant investment in modernization of Communication Navigation Surveillance (CNS), Air Traffic Managements and Meteorological Equipment, Enhancing Manpower and Training Infrastructure and harmonization with global initiatives and regional air navigation plans. India’s GPS aided Geo augmented Navigation system known as GAGAN Developed by AAI with the support of ISRO is also likely to be rolled out by 2013, he added.

Saying that the cargo handled at Indian airports has seen an impressive growth of CAGR 10.9% in the last five years, with international cargo accounting for two-thirds of the total, the Minister informed that an Air Cargo Promotion Policy is being formulated which will be brought forward for consultation. In order to attract foreign investors, he said that the Government is allowing 100 per cent FDI in Greenfield airports under the automatic route to facilitate world-class airports in the country. An appropriate economic regulatory framework for future airport is also being worked out to attract investment and ensure their viability.

The Minister said that the prospects of India as potential global hub for manufacturing and MRO business are very bright due to its strong engineering workforce, R&D expertise and its strategic location. He informed that an MRO facility in partnership with Malaysian Aerospace Engineering, a subsidiary of Malaysian Airlines System, has been set up at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Hyderabad. Air India is also building an MRO facility with Boeing in Nagpur. Air India will also set up an MRO subsidiary soon. Airbus is also expected to make investment in MRO.

Ch. Ajit Singh said that the Civil Aviation Ministry is working upon a framework to modernise regulatory work for aerospace sector including its promotion. Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with FAA, USA will boost export of aeronautic products.

A full-fledged aviation university would be set up to bridge the shortage of skilled personnel in aviation sector. This project will enhance the supply of trained pilots and other skilled personnel in aviation sector. Saying that the government is keen to set up world class training and education infrastructure in the country, he pointed out that the CAE Global Flying Training Institute at Gondia in Maharashtra and CAE Simulator Training Facilities at Bangalore are excellent examples of such endeavors.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Jaipal Reddy and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Kiran Kumar Reddy highlighted the increasing competition in the aviation sector has brought the services within the reach of people at large. They also hoped that affordable air services will enable Indian Economy to achieve the objective of inclusive growth.

A postage stamp to mark the conclusion of the year long centenary celebration of Aviation in India and a coffee table book showcasing the milestones of Indian Aviation history were released by the Civil Aviation Minister on the occasion.

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