India Aviation 2016: Private participation rises at civil aviation show

Hyderabad: In a reflection of India’s improving economic growth, the fifth edition of India Aviation, the country’s civil aviation show, has witnessed a marked increase in private sector participation compared to the previous show.

“There has been a 30 per cent increase in participation this time compared to the 2014 edition,” said civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju, while addressing reporters.

The 2014 edition was bankrolled by PSU companies and state government agencies and several stalls were left unoccupied as the Indian economy was growing through difficult times. The Indian economy grew at 6.9 per cent in FY2014 and was considered to be laggard in fastest growing bloc of BRICS.

However, the current edition of India Aviation has attracted a significantly higher number of private companies and all stalls have been booked as there is a renewed hope that growing Indian economy will boost the demand for aircraft in the country.

The participants included leading aircraft makers like Boeing, Embraer, Gulfstream, Dassult, Agusta Westland, Bell Helicopters and aircraft engine makers like Rolls Royce, UTC, CFM, Pratt Whitney. Civil aviation shows are organised to promote business-to-business deals between the suppliers and buyers of aircraft maker or aviation related companies.

The 2016 show is also unique as states like host Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have to increased its presence by setting chalets at the show.