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International Air Show Opens Outside Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday his country is ready for honest competition on the world aviation market and is willing to conduct close cooperation with other countries, Xinhua reported.
Putin made the pledge at an opening ceremony for the Fifth International Air Show, MAKS-2001, staged at the Gromov Aeronautics Institute airfield in the town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow.
Russia "is ready for honest competition on international markets, but we believe the future of aviation lies in close international cooperation and mutual support among the leading aircraft-making nations," said Putin, who cut the red ribbon for the show.
Russia's recent economic difficulties have hampered the development of the aerospace industry, said Putin. However, once enough attention and support are given to the industry, Russian engineers will secure outstanding achievements as before.
This is the biggest air show ever held in Russia, which has drawn the attendance of 535 companies, including 110 foreign companies from 33 countries.
A total of 150 aircraft and helicopters are expected to be displayed at the air show, which ranks among the world's top three air shows alongside Le Bourget, France and Farnborough, Britain.
About 30 exhibition pavilions cover a combined area of 11,000 square meters at the show.
The exhibition program includes press conferences, presentations from 42 companies and daily demonstration flights.
In addition, the best Russian aerobatics groups will perform demonstration flights for public over the weekend.
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