The Hindu Business Line : Aerodrome India 2005 to project potential for airport building, revamp

A BOOMING aviation sector, mushrooming airlines and their hectic aircraft buying plans are also triggering a flurry of activities on ground: Indian players in the airport sector are estimated to have a field day in the coming five years with a $100-billion opportunity in the building and upgradation of airports in the country, according to organisers of the country's first airport trade and technology show coming up here.

Aerodrome India 2005, to be held here during December 7-10, will unveil the combined potential that exists for hardware makers, maintenance, policy and security aspects, consultants and service providers in the airport infrastructure, according to Mr Pradeep Devaiah, CEO of the organising firm PDA TF.

PDA TF has tied up with aerospace manufacturers' body, the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI), as its technology partner to put up a common forum for technologists, manufacturers, airport and airline operators and allied players in the three-day trade show and conference. Over 90 companies from 14 countries, including 36 from India, are slated to participate in the show.

The seminar will touch on civil aviation security and maintenance, new technology products and space management. To be inaugurated by the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Praful Patel, Aerodrome India is to have the participation of top brass of Airports Authority of India, Air India, the Singapore Airport Consortium which built the Changi airport, Bangalore International Airport Ltd, besides Mr Madhavan Nair, ISRO Chairman and President of the Aeronautical Society of India; and Mr Paul Behnke, Director, Airports Council International.

Dr C.G. Krishnadas Nair, SIATI President and former HAL Chairman, told Business Line there was a huge gap in airport maintenance, air traffic control engineers and staff. Along with infrastructure for safe air transportation, Aerodrome India, he said, would highlight the need for a trained technical aeronautics pool in the country.

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