The Hindu Business Line : Dubai air show may land positive results for Indian aerospace cos

INDIA'S first time participation at the Dubai Air Show is expected to bring in positive results with preliminary discussions being held by some of the participants for setting up joint ventures in areas such as repair and overhaul facilities and marketing of spare parts.

Dr K. Nair, Chairman of Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI), who was in Dubai to attend the air show, told Business Line the international expo had proved to be an excellent window to showcase India's capabilities in aerospace related industries, research and technology.

"This part of the world was not very clear about India's technical expertise in aerospace. SIATI is projecting our capabilities in manufacturing components and equipment and in high-end design and research. India's expertise in the field of satellites and launch vehicles has also surprised visitors at the show," he said. He lauded the facilities and infrastructure at the Dubai air show.

In view of the potential for growth in this region, SIATI entered into a tie up with the Dubai-based Khoory Group and had appointed an international sales coordinator, Mr N. Rajeev, to act as a single point of contact for export promotion for SIATI-member companies, particularly small and medium firms, Dr Nair said.

He said alot of interest had been evinced in joint ventures in fields such as repair and overhaul facilities, and spare parts.

"We are keen to get clients here to look eastwards towards India, as so far this region has looked to the West for industrial support in the field of aerospace," he said. The growth of the aviation industry in the Gulf and West Asia and new mega plans under way in the aviation sector provided great potential for the Indian aerospace industry, he said.

SIATI's promotion of the `Brand India' image in the lastfew years in the international arena had spin off benefits, Dr Nair said.

SIATI had been participating in some major air shows and international expos with positive results, he said.

From virtually nil exports six years ago, India's aerospace industry has bagged over Rs 200 crore in export orders currently.

"This figure is relatively small. But we hope to reach a target of several thousand crores in a few years' time," he said.

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