India's first-ever aviation show begins tomorrow

HYDERABAD: The world���s largest aircraft Airbus Industries��� A-380, which can cover over half a football ground under its wingspan, would fly over the Hyderabad city on Wednesday when it arrives in India for the first-ever civil aviation airshow.

The huge double-decker four-engined aircraft, that can carry 853 passengers in an all-economy configuration and 525 in three classes, would be among at least 37 planes and helicopters of various makes on display at the first civil aviation exhibition and conference, ���India Aviation 2008���, starting Wednesday at the old Begumpet airport here.

Other aircraft, which would be on static or flying display, include Boeing 777, A-340-400, Canadian regional jet of Bombardier citation, business jets manufactured by various global leaders, Bell helicopters, Dragonfly, Cessnas, Indian-made Pushpak and Indian firm Hindavia���s Russian-made regional aircraft IL-114.

With the United States being the partner country, almost all major aviation-related companies and officials from there are scheduled to participate.

While US officials include the administrator of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), Robert A Sturgell, CEOs and other top of-ficials of most of the major players in the global civil aviation in-dustry would also be present at the event organised by the civil aviation ministry and Ficci.