BENGALURU: Setting a benchmark for business and general aviation (BA&GA) excellence in India, the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) declared the winners of the maiden BizAvIndia Awards at the Aero India 2015 on Thursday. The winners were selected by a panel comprising former director general of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Kanu Gohain, president of Textron India Inderjit Sial, CEO of CAPA India, Kapil Kaul and Head-Aerospace and Defence at KPMG, Amber Dubey.
Naveen Jindal, Chairman, JSPL was inducted into the Hall of Fame for contributions to the growth of Indian BA&GA sector. The ‘Operator of the Year’ award was presented to Air Charter Services & Himalayan Heli Services, while the ‘Award for Innovation’ was given to Mahindra Aerospace.
BAOA president Rohit Kapur said the awards have been instituted to recognise distinction in the Business & General Aviation sector in India. “We hope the awards will set a gold standard for recognising merit within the industry,” he added.
Kalyani Group to tie up with Rafael
Kalyani Group and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Limited on Thursday announced the setting up of a joint venture company which will make anti-tank missiles, remote weapon systems and advanced armour solutions in India. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and MD, Kalyani Group, told mediapersons that the new facility will come up at a place close to Hyderabad and they are looking for suitable land. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a Hyderabad-based Government of India enterprise will be the integrator of the product line. “We believe in the vision of ‘Make In India’ and our proposed JV with Rafael is a step in that direction,” he said. The defence minister is likely to come out with a new policy document, he added. Vice Admiral (retd) Yadida Yaari, CEO, Rafael, said they will continue to support the Ministry of Defence in gaining technological excellence. Rafael is Israel’s second largest defence company.