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This article reports that even as 2005 ended with Asian carriers splurging on orders, their acquisition plans for this year include more than 200 additional short and long-haul aircraft. It seems the region, led by China and India, has an insatiable appetite for new aircraft. Studies by the International Air Transport Association put their combined profit in 2005 at $1.5 billion, compared with $1.3 billion in Europe, and a net loss of $10 billion in the U.S. The International Civil Aviation Organization's forecast expects the Asia-Pacific countries to supplant Europe this year as the second largest aviation region after North America.

This article reports that India has become another major market in the Asia-Pacific mix thanks to the confluence of its economy and a workforce skilled in computing, science and manufacturing. At last year's Paris air show, its airlines signed up for 140 new aircraft. Morgan Stanley analysts Heidi Wood and Greg Alexopoulos are skeptical about the groundswell of these growth plans, but there's no denying India's promise. For the aerospace industry, an even more important India-specific shift is underway. After decades of a U.S. boycott over its nuclear development program, warmer trade and defense relations have been established, as witnessed by a scheduled visit from U.S. President George W. Bush this month, and India is opening its industry and military contracts to foreign participation as never before.

The article examines the procurement process for a military jet airplane by India's Defense Ministry. The ministry has told aerospace industries firm bidding on the lucrative contract that they must enter new bids, driving up their costs. Previous delays in the process of awarding the contract are discussed. Defense Minister A. K. Antony cites the need for caution in public expenditures.

The article focuses on the impact of the elections in India in 2009 on the country's aerospace industry. The election of members of the Congress Party in India has led to the return of its majority rule and is deemed to open up bureaucratic difficulties in the country. The country was previously led by the Communist Left Party, which opposed Western politics and blocked India's military acquisition programs. However, multiple delays are still expected in the country.

The article reports on the seventh biennial Aero India exhibition held in Bangalore, India in February 2009. It states that the number of Indian firms participating in the trade show is up by 14% to 592. The U.S. occupy the most exhibition space in the 2009 show with 22 companies. Some foreign exhibitors are eager to demonstrate their willingness to work with the Indians, but they are frustrated with India's laws such as the 26% cap on the amount of equity that they may hold in Indian firms.

The article reports that Dassault expects the Rafale to gain an edge in a competition to build 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft for India's Air Force. The advantage was due to the decision of the French government to clear its aerospace and defense industries to make technology transfers of all systems. The Rafale will not be subjected to the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which restrict transfer of advanced technology abroad.

This article reports that with India moving fast to become a major weapons buyer, U.S. companies used the growing partnership and trust between the two countries to dominate Defexpo, the biennial exposition on naval and land systems held in New Delhi, India in January 2006. So large was the U.S. presence that traditional ally Russia, which has supplied nearly 75% of India's military arsenal for decades, was relegated to third place, after the U.S. and Israel. India's interest in purchasing up to 200 Multi-role Combat Aircraft, helicopters, transports and medium-sized ships is turning attention to its newly introduced offset policy.

This article reports that Asia-Pacific region's interests have broadened in the aerospace industry. A decade ago, regional jets, turboprop commuters and business jet manufacturers were just beginning to test the Asian marketing waters. A gradual liberalization, greater access to the Chinese and Indian markets and shifts in national defense spending have changed all that. This year, regional and executive jets represent a third of the aircraft on display at this week's Asian Aerospace exhibition in Singapore. Only one of the eight aircraft scheduled to fly is civilian.

The article informs that sales of A320 aircrafts is setting new milestone for Airbus Industrie SA. While most of the attention in 2005 in the perpetual Boeing Co. versus Airbus battle was focused on the admittedly higher-margin wide-body market, where the U.S. manufacturer has been trouncing its European rival in recent months, in the narrow-body world, Airbus has quietly put together a record-breaking series of wins. The aircraft maker so far has signed 12 customers for 166 aircraft, a mix of firm orders and commitments. Airbus has reached double-digit orders for its A318 Elite corporate jet, after an undisclosed customer opted to take five more of the aircraft that was formally launched in November.

This article focuses on current developments in the Indian aerospace industry. It is worth noting that competitive pressures are driving many aerospace companies to tap India's high-end engineering services. However, India's newest emerging offerings are aeronautical system design, testing services, cockpit equipment support software and composite structuring. With its highly skilled English-speaking labor pool, low costs and economic growth, India is quickly moving up the value chain as aircraft manufacturers look at less expensive options. Additionally, the country's experience in providing outsourcing of large-scale, process-centric information technology and its access to high technology through global alliances make it an attractive destination for engineering services.

The article focuses on the aerospace and defense industries in India. It states that the Indian government plans on spending over 80 billion dollars on procurement between 2011-2015, resulting in a restructuring of the industries. It mentions that India's new offset policy will permit suppliers to tap commercial aviation to meet offset requirements. General manager Bob Gower of Boeing Military Aircraft-India talks about the need for Indian companies to be competitive globally.

The article examines financial aspects of astronautics in India. Partnerships between the country's Space Research Organization (ISRO) and private companies in the country are discussed, focusing on the dominant role played by those companies on the manufacture of electronics and specialized metals. Possibilities for expansion of the aerospace industry in India are considered.

The article discusses private investment in and growth of aerospace manufacturing and engineering in India. Avind Mehra, who heads an aircraft operation being established by an Indian conglomerate called Mahindra, is cited regarding growth opportunities in India's aerospace industry. Forces underlying this growth are said to include access to qualified people and low wage rates.

The article reports on the partnerships between India's private aerospace industry and Western defense industries. In one major deal, India's Mahindra Defense Systems concluded a joint-venture agreement with Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei of the Finmeccanica Group that aims to tap into the $500-million underwater defense systems market using the industrial and operational capabilities of its Indian partner. BAE Systems is in discussions with the Indian air force to supply 40 additional Hawk advanced jet trainers.

The article reports that New Delhi, India expects to boost defense sector by securing joint manufacturing projects. The country is attempting to use defense procurement leverage to propel international collaboration. The country's aerospace sector is growing, and the budget allocated to the Defense Research Development Organization is expected to climb to $5 billion in the next decade from $2 billion.

The article predicts that aerospace and defense (A&D) companies will be sending a lot more engineering work offshore in coming years in order to gain access to emerging markets, according to a report from Booz Allen Hamilton. The shortage of high-technology workers in the West will also contribute to offshoring. Kevin Dehoff, a Booz Allen vice president, said the prediction is a natural extension of what is going on in information technology. The report also includes projections for global A&D engineering spending.

The article reports that the Civil Aviation Ministry of India is threatening to impose a moratorium on new airplane licenses as one way to dampen the country's voracious appetite for new airlines and aircraft. While the airlines see a market that is far from achieving its potential, the ministry sees an industry on a buying spree that is building up too much debt. The ministry predicts a combined loss of $480 million when the current fiscal year ends next March 31, 2007.

This article states that U.S. defense contractors want India to soften its offset regulations. Boeing Integrated Defense System is pushing India to modify its offset policy to allow banking credits in advance of contracts. The biggest deal, with Boeing's F/A-18 as a candidate, is India's proposed buy of 126 multirole fighters, valued at $2.3 billion. The proposals request is expected in December 2006. As it fields the F-16 in that contest, Lockheed Martin is joining the call for credits.

The article reports that the Australian government has rejected Singapore Airlines Ltd.'s (SIA) bid to begin services to the U.S. from flag-carrier Qantas Airways Ltd.'s stronghold in Sydney. The decision leaves Qantas Airways Ltd. and United Airlines Inc. as competitors on the Sydney-Los Angeles route. SIA uses the A340-500 aircraft for the industry's longest nonstop run, but Boeing Co. is pushing its 200LR aircraft as a more cost-effective solution. SIA and Singapore's transport ministry wanted access under the open skies principle that affords to foreign competition.

This article reports that a contract dispute among the organizers of the Asian Aerospace show has raised the question of whether Singapore will remain home to Asia's best-known air show. The 13th Asian Aerospace will take place as scheduled from next February 21-26 and has attracted the usual level of national delegations from the U.S., France, Great Britain, Israel, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Singapore. But expansion plans for Changi Airport will engulf the present exhibition center after next year. Knowing that, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan said in February 2004 that the government would build a larger, better-equipped exhibition hall on barren land 2 mi. from the current Changi Exhibition Center. The current site has never been a favorite for attendees because it is out-of-the-way and cramped. Known as Changi North, the new site covers 59 acres and will have an expanded tarmac for static displays. The government couldn't reach agreement with the show's organizer, Reed Exhibition Cos., on a post-2006 contract.

This article highlights the move by several overseas companies to entry India's aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service industry despite the recession as they are lured by tax-free special economic zones. Among the companies that have setup facility in India due to tax free offer are MAS-GMR Aerospace Engineering Co., a joint venture, Duke Aviation and Boeing Co. It mentions that India's rate of $35-$37 per manhour is competitive against a global average rate of $43-$47 per manhour. INSET: Sri Lanka An Alternative to India?.