The 12th edition of aerospace exhibition “Aero India” from February 20 to 24 next year to be held at Bengaluru will feature two theme-based activities — women and start-ups — with Indian origin US astronaut Sunita Williams scheduled to attend the show. Held every two years, the international exhibition is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Giving these details on Friday, the Defence Ministry officials said the other theme based event in Aero India will have a drone competition for start-ups. Moreover, for the first time civil aviation exhibition is being subsumed into Aero India which has been Defence only so far. There will be a vintage aircraft rally on one of the days.

On the inaugural day, a global CEOs round table will happen for the first time and about 15-20 CEOs from global aerospace majors will be attending. Two international level academic seminars based on the theme are to be held where top academicians and subject matter experts will present papers.

The Defence Ministry is also encouraging photography competitions, one before and one during the event. There will be two categories, one for professional and one for the general public. A postal stamp on the event is also likely to be released.

The tag line of Aero India 2019 is “runway for a billion opportunities.” The logo is inspired by indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. Some webinars will also be happening for which registration can be done on the event website.  There is one webinar on Regional Transport Aircraft and another on growth of airborne surveillance systems.

In terms of participation, so far 158 Indian companies and 106 foreign companies have registered. Aero India 2017 saw the participation of 213 companies from 22 countries and 234 Indian companies.