In June 1991, the then Narasimha Rao government introduced economic reforms that allowed the Indian aviation market to connect with the rest of the world. In 1992, an Indian aviation company held an aviation exhibition at the Ashoka Hotel in Delhi. As part of the event, a single Sukhoi-27 aircraft was showcased at the Air Force Station in Palam.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) decision-makers had the opportunity to fly the aircraft, which left them with a positive impression of its performance and capabilities.

Encouraged by the success of their first event, the same company decided to organize a full-fledged airshow at Yelahanka in December 1993. This event was named Avia India 1993.

Avia India '93 was India's first air show, held at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru in December 1993. A single MiG-29 jet marked the event with an aerial display. This air show was the realization of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's vision to host an international aviation exhibition in India. The event was organized by Anand Sethi, Managing Director of CONVEX, and a close friend of Rajiv Gandhi from his Doon School days (boarding school in Dehradun). He worked closely with both the Union and state governments and even spent Rs 25 lakh from his own pocket before anyone else contributed.

Interestingly, the air show was shifted to Air Force Station in Yelahanka because senior officials at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), who had initially agreed to host the event at the HAL airport, did not provide formal approval for the venue.

"Anand's determination laid the foundation for the event, and from there, everything fell into place like a series of miracles. Many remarkable people from the aviation industry, along with the governments in New Delhi and Bengaluru, came forward to support and help us make it a success," said Sugandha Sukrutaraj, who was the face of Avia India '93 and served as the regional head of CONVEX at the time, in an interview.

She shared how Air Chief Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri, the then Chief of Air Staff, offered three alternative venues for the air show when he learned that HAL had not given formal approval for their airport. This happened during a flight from Paris after the Le Bourget Air Show in June 1993. The options he suggested were Air Force Station in Tambaram, the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, and Air Force Station in Yelahanka.

"Yelahanka was the clear choice," she said. She also mentioned that Air Marshal Denzil Keelor, who was then the air adviser to the DGCA, played a key role by persuading all aircraft to stop in Bengaluru for refueling on their way back from the Malaysian Air Show. This ensured their participation in the three-day event held from December 15 to 18.

"He guided me throughout the entire process of organizing Avia India '93," she said.

With support from the Air Headquarters and DRDO, the Karnataka government took significant steps to ensure the event's success. They provided Rs 30 lakh to build a boundary wall around the air force station and also rebuilt the road connecting Bengaluru to the venue. This was made possible through the efforts of the then Chief Secretary, JC Lynn, while Veerappa Moily served as the state chief minister.

Senior bureaucrat Lynn also contacted his former colleague in Delhi to ensure that Customs and Immigration officers were sent to Bengaluru to handle the requirements for aircraft landing and takeoff.

She shared, "I walked into the Le Bourget Air Traffic Control (ATC) wearing my traditional Kanchivaram saree, feeling nervous and unsure. But I will never forget the kindness and support shown by Claude Martin, the Flight Director of the Paris Air Show."

Luckily, the organizers of the Farnborough Air Show were also present at that meeting. I was able to gain more clarity from Group Captain Ajit Agtey, the Flight Director of Avia India '93 and the commandant of ASTE. He did an excellent job managing the air display.

The ground crew, led by the late Group Captain Niteen Gupte from Span Aviation, achieved incredible feats to make Avia India '93 a success.

According to media reports, Avia India '93 was not only India’s first air show but also had another special highlight. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut, served as the commentator for the event! He was joined by Wing Commander BJ Vaz in the commentator’s box. Together, they described the impressive maneuvers of aircraft like the Mirage 2000, Sea Harriers, the Hawk trainer, and the Kamov helicopter.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) stepped in to take responsibility for organizing the next air show, ensuring it would have the full support of the government. After addressing various challenges over three years, the first Aero India show was successfully held in December 1996. The MOD also decided to make Aero India a biennial event, held every two years, establishing it as a significant milestone in India’s aviation journey.

The event faced several challenges due to a lack of experience and proper infrastructure, such as poor road access to Yelahanka. Foreign exhibitors raised many complaints, and managing the large crowds also became a major issue.

The second Aero India took place in December 1998 and was inaugurated by Defence Minister George Fernandes. However, the event faced challenges as bad weather, including light rain and low clouds, disrupted the flying displays.

The Indian Air Force suggested that the event be held in February, as Bengaluru usually has clear blue skies during that time, even though the days can get a bit warm.

The third Aero India event, originally planned for December 2000, was rescheduled and took place in February 2001 instead.

George Fernandes once again inaugurated the show, starting a tradition where the Defence Minister has since always inaugurated the event. The main highlight that year was a brief display by the Light Combat Aircraft Technology Demonstrator, which was on just its fourth flight.

Since then, every Aero India event has had more participation from both Indian and international companies.

The author of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru.