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South Asia

Jun 2, 2005

IndUS Aviation takes off in Bangalore

BANGALORE - US-based IndUS Aviation Inc has launched India's first aircraft showroom and general aviation (GA) facility here, and said it plans to export 35 to 40 Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) by December's end.

"We are looking to increase that number to 75 to 100 aircraft in 2006," its managing director, India-born US citizen Ram Pattisapu said.

In India, IndUS manufactures the DGCA (director general of civil aviation) certified general aviation aircraft for flight training and personal/pleasure flight operations, he said.

Besides, the company is planning to sell 12 to 15 such aircraft in India this year but he expects most of them to be "absorbed" by the IndUS Flight Academy that's proposed to be opened soon.

Bangalore-based Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited are the "manufacturing contractors" for privately-held IndUS.

In addition to Thorp T 211 aircraft, IndUS is planning to build other models, including a four-seat aircraft, in the near future.

The Bangalore showroom contains an aircraft, and has an aviation store that displays aviation-related merchandise, pilot supplies, gifts and model aircraft.

Pattisapu said there are huge opportunities for India to tap into the export market in the LSA segment. IndUS is keen to promote GA in India.

He said he holds majority stake in the company, which is now looking for other investors to raise funds for expansion, particularly for a foray into the Chinese market.

(Asia Pulse/PTI)

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