Countdown begins for sky party

Triggering the imagination of aviation aficionados across the world, particularly those in the aviation capital of Bangalore, the Ministry of Defence has set the ball in motion for the ninth edition of International Exhibition on Aerospace, Defence and Civil Aviation. The next edition will be held from February 6 to 10 at Yelahanka Air Force Station.

This puts to rest the rumours hovering around on a possible shift of venue and even cancellation of the event. Speculations were strong that the show would be shifted this time out of Bangalore with the air traffic restrictions it would impose on the BIAL airport. In 2011, BIAL had to tweak its schedules in tune with the air display plans, causing concerns to many.

A section of aviation pundits also argued that the airshow has lost its sheen, after Dassault clinched the $10-plus-billion deal for 126 Rafale jets. There were also concerns expressed about the money being ‘burned for fun,’ with stage-managed announcements and agreements.

Speaking to Express from Delhi, Sitanshu Kar, spokesperson for Ministry of Defence, said that the official countdown has already begun. “While it might be too early to say who is coming and not, we have got into the airshow mode. In 2011, we had exhibitors participating from 29 countries, including 675 companies (380 overseas and 295 domestic). In addition, close to 50 overseas delegations touched down in Bangalore. We will get a clear picture about this year’s show in the coming days,” Kar said.

The news has brought cheer to many, like, who never missed one show so far. “Everyone wants to become a pilot one day and those who didn’t make it, like me, at least witnessing the sky party at the show once in two years is really an excitement,” says Arun.

It’s just 64 more days from today, for the plane carnival.