Aviation, Defence companies keen to invest in AP

Hyderabad, Feb 19 (INN): Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met CEOs of 11 prominent companies from Aerospace, Defence and Aviation sectors after the Aero India 2015 show in Bangalore on Thursday.

The Chief Minister had one-on-one meetings with Russia’s Sukhoi delegation, Sikorsky and UTC executives, Rafael and Elbit delegation, Boeing International Corporation India Pvt. Ltd executives, delegates from Raytheon International Inc., Bell Helicopter India, Honeywell India, GE Aviation and, delegates from the American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM – India) and the U.S.-India Business Council.

Later, he made a power point presentation to 175 CEOs and industrialists explaining the opportunities for aviation and defence players in Andhra Pradesh. He elaborated the state government’s plans to establish defence and aerospace hubs in Chittoor, Anantapur, Kadapa, Kurnool and Prakasam districts.

In the aviation sector, he said that Andhra Pradesh has reduced the tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel from 16% – 1%.

“We are also promoting Greenfield and brownfield airports and are giving full support to allied sectors like MRO, cargo, general aviation and training,” he added.

Explaining that Andhra Pradesh will develop cargo and MRO infrastructure as a priority, the Chief Minister said that the state is focusing on developing cargo infrastructure at new airports and improving connectivity between ports, airports and logistics hubs.

After his presentation, many CEOs have expressed their willingness to partner with Andhra Pradesh and are keen to invest in setting up manufacturing units in the state.