The metal birds have landed and Air Force Station Yelahanka is all set to handle what is shaping up to be the largest Aero India yet. Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials said 60 of the 72 aircraft had arrived for the 10th edition of the biennial five-day air show that begins here on Wednesday.
Visitors can expect to witness some aerial feats never seen here before. Seen on Saturday were the aerobatic team of Breitling Wingwalkers, who will later enthral viewers by walking on the wings of the small planes as they fly. Lined up at the air base were IAF’s air show regular Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter; the Pilatus, the newly acquired trainer; the French Rafale that is waiting to be bought; the propeller-driven ‘Wasp’ from the Scandinavian Airshow team; the bulky U.S.-built heavy-lift transport plane C-17 Globemaster.
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Air shows have their share of celebrities. This year’s show has acquired a high profile: it will be inaugurated by Narendra Modi, who will be the second Prime Minister to do so after H.D. Deve Gowda opened the 1996 air show.
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This time round, adding spice to the show from air will be Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy. The former Civil Aviation Minister also holds a commercial pilot’s licence and is slated to fly with one of the aerobatics teams, a Defence Ministry official said.
The MoD expects over three lakh visitors at its air base during the five days. With over 750 exhibitors bringing their equipment to the base, MoD officials said a customs house had been set up at Yelahanka to expedite the process of setting up a stall for the show.