First international air show "Civil Aviation-2002" opening in Moscow

Russia's largest international airport Domodedovo will host the first international air show "Civil Aviation-2002" on August 14-18, said Chairman of the organisational committee and Russia's First Deputy Minister of Transportation Alexander Neradko at a briefing devoted to the event on Friday.

"The key idea of the exhibition is to create a healthy partnership climate and basis for mutually favourable cooperation between Russian and foreign companies working in this industry, Neradko said. "Demonstration of new achievements of both Russian and foreign civil aviation representatives will help to improve the level of confidence in the air transport and attract investments to the Russia civil aviation," he added.

The air show will gather more than 100 leading Russian and foreign companies which will represent their new achievements in such market segments as passenger and freight air transportation, insurance and safety of the flights, work of airport complexes, air companies' services. Demonstration flights of the new aircraft models such as TU-204, TU-344, IL-96, BE-200 and others are also in the program of the event.

The show will also include "World Pilot Groups Festival", a brilliant air show with participation of famous Russia and European groups like Master-Pilot School ROSTO "Russkiye Vityazi", "Strizhi", "Rus", "Nebesnye Rytsari", "Slavyane" as well as the Italian team "Frecce Tricollori." Besides, the participants of the air shows will present their stands at the show.

The exhibition will supposedly host 80-100 thousand visitors at the weekend, Neradko said.

The exhibition will have a great resonance, as it is the first civil aviation exhibition and held on the eve of the industry's jubilee /next year it will celebrate its 80th anniversary/, Neradko stated.