'India to get Rs 30,000 crore worth contracts'

Indian firms have already bagged a slew of orders from aerospace majors

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 28, 2006

The Indian Aerospace industry is expected to get Rs 30,000 crore from contracts by Airbus and Boeing. Both the plane makers are expected to supply large number of planes to Indian Airlines and Air India.

These contracts are expected to give the industry a much-needed boost. Joseph Varkey, Hononary Secretary General of the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI) was quoted as saying at last month's Asia Aerospace Show that the industry which already negotiates joint ventures and technology alliances with international companies will get a boost from these contracts.

The Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI) was set up in 1991 by the then Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd MD Dr CG Krishnadas Nair, in Bangalore on receiving the National Aeronautical Prize (1990), for his outstanding work in Aeronautical Science and Technology. The Society endeavours to promote aerospace technologies and industries in India, encourage potential entrepreneurs to set up medium/small scale industries for manufacture/maintenance of aerospace components, system and materials.

Airbus has given contracts for machineering works for aircraft parts for the Bangalore-based Maini Group, Trivani Hi-Tech and Sim Tools, said Varkey. He added, "We have got the potential for increasing the scope of work, and we need to build up partnerships, joint ventures and alliances for acquiring technology."

The BAE systems Hawk development aircraft ZJ100, whose avionics are developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is planning to test avionics for IAF. A BAE statement said: "the aircraft has been broken down to its major components at BAE systems site in the UK where, the relevant modifications, including servicing have taken place and the aircraft reassembled."

The SIATI managing committee includes eminent persons from HAL, ISRO, Aeronautical Development Agency, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Industry.