Thursday, June 16 2005 18:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Air Mauritius, the official airline of Mauritius has expressed interest to acquire Dhruv, India's homegrown Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) to ferry tourists across the island nation.

Air Mauritius Chairman Arjoon Suddhoo flew on the civil variant of the Dhruv, designed and built by India's state run aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd at the Paris Airshow yesterday (Jun 15, 2005).

"He (Suddhoo) expressed interest on Dhruv for possible deployment for tourism in Mauritius," an HAL statement said in Bangalore today (Jun 16, 2005).

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 - India's plan to acquire 126 fighters and the booming domestic airlines signing up orders to buy passenger jets.

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

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal S P 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 in aeronautics to the world community.

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