Taking strong exception to the defence ministry’s plan to move Asia’s prestigious air show, Aero India, out of Bengaluru, chief minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday appealed to defence minister A.K. Anthony to reconsider the decision saying that the issue of air space management can be sorted out through proper co-ordination and planning.
In a letter to Mr Antony, he said, “I am informed that Bangalore International Airport Limited had taken up the issue of airspace management and the ministry of civil aviation had approached you (ministry of defence) to consider moving the show to a location where there is greater free space available.”
Mr Gowda pointed out that the BIA runway was closed for almost 30 days in April this year from 10.30 am to 5 pm for maintenance and repair of runway, so, it would not be difficult to close the runway for five days during Aero India show timings.
He also added that the Bengaluru had become a major global destination for air shows. “Moving it out would be a retrograde step for the Indian aerospace industry in general, and Karnataka, in particular. A lot of business is transacted with the local aerospace industry by companies from across the world,” Mr Gowda contended.
“The reason for the choice of Bengaluru was availability of good air environment and the city being the hub of aerospace industry in Asia. The IAF also took the responsibility of holding the air show at its base in Yelahanka and has given unstinted support over the last two decades. Also, considerable investment is being planned in developing the Bengaluru Aerospace Park.”