|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, October 18, 2008 (18:00:42) |
| Tags : Indian aviation, Begumpet airport |
India aviation show proves a big hit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Hyderabad: India's first-ever international exhibition on civil aviation - India Aviation-2008 proved a big hit with thousands of people flocking to the Begumpet Airport today. The show opened for the public today after three days for business visitors, who thronged in the to catch a glimpse of a variety of aircraft on the last day of the four-day event.
Following the good public response, the organisers had to stop sale of tickets for sometime. Over 3,000 tickets were sold in the first two hours. The organisers expect about 25,000 to 30,000 people would witness the show by the end of the day. Many enthusiasts entered the venue by purchasing Rs 500 tickets during first three days. The ticket on the last day was priced at Rs 150. Over 15,000 people visited the show in the first three days.
More than 200 exhibitors from leading aviation and allied industries from around the world including Airbus, Boeing, EADS, HAL, BES, Rolls Royce, Engine Alliance, Cessna Aircraft Co, Bell Helicopter, Textron, ATR and Bombardier displayed their products at the show.
Showcasing as many as 37 aircraft ranging from Boeing-777 300 ER to ultra light aircraft Sport Star Puls. The wide range of aircraft and helicopters in different shapes, sizes and colours. But the star attractions, the small aircraft like IL-114 from Uzbekistan, 10-feet long and four-feet wide Sport Star Plus of Czech Republic company Evektor-Aerotechnik and eight and six-seater Hawker caught everybody's attention.
Besides that CRJ900 next-generation, Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 605 and Global Express XRS, all from Bombardier, Gulfstream and Beechcraft also added glamour to the show. There were helicopters from world leaders including Bell Helicopters and Eurocopters.
The visitors took snaps posing in front of the amazing machines. "I had seen aircraft from a distance but today I am having a closer look. It is really wonderful," said Padmanabha Reddy, a 12th standard student, who was accompanied by his friends. Selected groups were taken on a ride in choppers by a couple of companies. Others were overjoyed on being allowed to sit in a helicopter on static display.
With India Aviation-2008, the focus is back on Begumpet Airport, one of the oldest airports in the country. Established in 1930s by seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, then ruler of Hyderabad State, it was shut down in March this year with the commencement of operations at the new international airport at Shamshabad, about 35 km from the city.
The event brought back life at the deserted airport, at least for a few days. The aviation companies underlined the need for such airports in every major city to promote corporate and tourism aviation. The state government plans to conduct international air shows at Begumpet airport and also set up an aviation university. A section of air passengers, airport employees and a few low-cost airlines are still demanding that the airport be re-opened, at least for domestic operations.
The event also highlighted a little known fact that the airport had hosted an air show way back in 1937. European manufacturers had displayed their aircraft before the Nizam - who took a keen interest in promoting aviation - and nobles of the princely state. (IANS) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Post your comment |
|---|
| |
| | Reader Comments |
|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Email Story
Write to the editor
Print Story