PM Modi likely to inaugurate Aero India 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the 12th edition of "Aero India 2019" which will commence from February 20 and will host a number of spectacular events out of which some are going to be held for the very first time. Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams will also attend the aerospace even.

"The five-day event which is going to be held in Bengaluru is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Ministry of Defence spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand told media here.

On an inaugural day, there will be CEOs' roundtable to be attended by 15-20 major CEOs, adding that the entire event would be overseen by a Joint Secretary level officer, he said.

With a tagline 'Runway to a Billion Opportunities', the mega event will for the first time provide a platform to students to display their projects pertaining to the aviation industry, Anand said.

Besides this, on the second day, there will be a special startup on drone Olympics. "The women's day will be held on the fourth day in which Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams will attend. It will also witness participation of more women achievers in the aviation field," said Anand.

Even the logo for the event is inspired by the smallest supersonic aircraft - Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

So far, 158 Indian exhibitors and 106 foreign exhibitors have confirmed their participation for the show. Countries like Russia, the United States, Korea, Israel, Austria, United Arab Emirates, Belgium and Japan have enrolled themselves. Moreover, companies including Airbus, ABC and Thales have confirmed to be there.

A postal stamp on Aero India is also likely to be released.

There would be two aero shows every day, while a vintage aircraft rally would also be on one of the days.

The eleventh edition saw the participation of around 500 officials from 47 countries.