Dreamliner to fly into H'bad

Despite turbulence in the aviation market, Hyderabad is all set to host the third edition of the international exhibition and conference on civil aviation—India Aviation 2012—from March 14-18, 2012. The key highlight at the show will be the display of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which is expected to be inducted into Air India.

Dreamliners reduce operating costs in terms of maintenance and enable quicker turnarounds with lesser fuel consumption.

Commemorating the centenary celebrations of the aviation industry in India, a postage stamp and a coffee table book are expected to be released at the India Aviation 2012.

The air show is supported by Air India, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Business Aircraft Operators Association. The key highlights of the year include showcase of Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the first time; Sukhoi and the display of Sukhoi Super jet 100 Aircraft, and Embraer's new jets Phenom 300 and 100.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the show is expected to provide aviation and its allied industries a platform to showcase their products besides conducting business. Over 250 exhibitors are participating with over 18 chalets spread over 20,000 sq metres of the exhibition area with 22 aircraft static display. This year, the UK is the partner country, France would be the focus country and the US is the guest country, Col Vivek Kodikal, Regional Director (Trade Fairs), Ficci, said.

Some of the sponsors of the show include the GMR group, GVK group, Jet Airways, Rolls-Royce, Flywell Power and Saab group, among others.

Leading business and commercial aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Gulf stream, Hawker Beech craft, Piaggio Aero, UAC-Sukhoi, IRKUT, etc are also part of this show. Besides, major aircraft engine manufacturers like GE, CFM, Safran, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and IAE are participating in the airshow.

The rest include engine manufacturers such as GE, CFM, Safran, Rolls-Royce and helicopter manufacturers like Augusta Westland, Bell, Textron group, Eurocopter-EADS, UTC Sikorsky among others.

Dassault Falcon will present its Falcon fleet of large cabin, long range business jets at the air show. Dassault built its reputation for advanced high-performance fighter jets operated in India for more than 60 years. Dassault is the Indian market leader for large cabin, long range aircraft and continues to consolidate its position as the benefits of business aviation become recognized by an increasing number of Indian companies and private owners.

About 20 Falcons are currently operating from airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad.