Aero India 2019 to be held in Bengaluru in February

BENGALURU: Putting an end to the drama over the biennial air show—Aero India 2019—shifting out of Bengaluru, the ministry of defence (MoD) on Saturday announced that the show will be held between February 20 and 24 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru."The government has decided to hold the Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru...This five-day event will combine a major trade exhibition for the aerospace and defence industries with public air shows. Besides global leaders and big investors in aerospace industry, the show will also see participation by think-tanks from across the world," a MoD statement read.Earlier this year, in the first week of August, there was a newspaper report quoting sources that the show will move out of Bengaluru and that it is likely to be held in Lucknow.A day later, on August 4, defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman said: "There has been no decision to that effect yet. Yes, there have been many demands from various states, but we will announce the date and venue when a decision is taken."That she did not clear the air completely added fuel to more speculation and reports, with one report, quoting senior MoD officials even gave out dates for the show in Lucknow.Announcing that the show will happen in Bengaluru, the MoD said: "It will provide a unique opportunity for exchange of information, ideas and new developments in the aviation industry. Besides giving a fillip to the domestic aviation industry it would further the cause of Make in India."