Air Mauritius Eyes Indian Helicopter to Ferry Tourists

[hkskyline]

Air Mauritius Eyes 'Dhruv' to Ferry Tourists

BANGALORE, June 17 Asia Pulse - Air Mauritius, the official airline of the island nation, has expressed interest in acquiring 'Dhruv', India's homegrown Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to ferry tourists across the island nation.

Air Mauritius Chairman Arjoon Suddhoo travelled on the civil variant of the Dhruv, designed and built by state-run aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at the Paris Airshow on Wednesday.

"He (Suddhoo) expressed interest in Dhruv for possible deployment for tourism in Mauritius," an HAL statement said here.

India is the star attraction for global firms at the Paris air show with the subcontinent emerging as one of the biggest markets for military aircraft with India's plan to acquire 126 fighters, and domestic airlines signing orders to buy passenger jets.

French President Jacques Chirac visited the HAL stall on the inaugural day and appreciated India's progress in aviation.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi made a visit to the HAL stall at Paris, and familiarised himself with the modern cockpit of the ALH.

India's homegrown intermediate jet trainer (IJT) made its 100th flight at the Paris show demonstrating the advances made in aeronautics.

HAL Chairman Ashok K Baweja held discussions with top executives of BAE systems, Rolls Royce, Bell Helicopter and Schweizer helicopters at the show, the statement said.

[Naga_Solidus]

YAY!!! HAL's getting some foreign customers!!!