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Massive turnout at India air show Massive turnout at India air show
(about 6 hours later)
Some 500 aircraft companies from around the world have gathered at an air show in India hoping to sell planes to the country's booming aviation sector. Some 500 aircraft companies from around the world have flocked to an air show in southern India hoping to cash in on the country's booming aviation sector.
The five-day event at the Yelahanka air base in Bangalore will showcase a range of new civilian and military aircraft.The five-day event at the Yelahanka air base in Bangalore will showcase a range of new civilian and military aircraft.
India plans to buy 126 fighter jets for its air force to replace ageing planes in its fleet. India plans to buy 126 fighter jets for its air force to replace its fleet of ageing Soviet-era MiG-21s.
Industry estimates suggest India would need over 1,000 planes over the next two decades as air travel booms. Industry estimates suggest India will need more than 1,000 planes over the next two decades as air travel booms.
Air traffic in India could double by 2010 to 50 million passenger journeys a year on the back of a growing economy, according to one estimate.Air traffic in India could double by 2010 to 50 million passenger journeys a year on the back of a growing economy, according to one estimate.
Some 45 foreign delegations and 35 air force chiefs from various countries are attending the five-day air show in its sixth year now. 'Decision soon'
Reports say companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Russia's MIG-29 and Sweden's Saab will be vying for orders for the Indian air force's new fighter jets. Some 45 foreign delegations and 35 air force chiefs from various countries are attending the five-day air show.
Companies like Boeing and Airbus will be also exhibiting a number of their civilian aircraft at the show. Indian Defence Minister AK Antony, who officially opened the Aero India show, said a decision on the purchase of the fighter jets would be made very soon.
"It [the request for proposals] is almost in the final stage... I can assure that a decision in this regard will be taken very quickly," he told reporters.
The BBC's Habib Beary in Bangalore says the deal is estimated to be worth more than $10bn.
He says the race is primarily between Lockheed Martin's F-16s, the Gripen made by Sweden's Saab, Russia's MiG-35, the Eurofighter from Europe and the Rafale made by French company Dassault.
Boeing and Airbus will be also exhibiting a number of their civilian aircraft at the show.
Hundreds of civilian aircraft and fighter jets will be displayed during the air show, which is being attended by more international visitors than ever before.