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Journalism of Courage
The first major foreign stint of Indian Air Force’s famed Suryakiran Aerobatics Team to Singapore is turning out to be a costly affair. The Air Force will have to insure the Singapore public against any damage during the team’s display there. The amount is a whopping $40 million.
This team of eight Suryakiran MK-II aircraft are slated to participate at Asian Aerospace 2004 in Singapore starting February 24. Singapore’s laws do not permit any aircraft to fly without the operator having insured the people of Singapore against any possible damage from the flight.
The Suryakiran team, which will apparently conduct five shows at the event, was asked to insure the Singapore public for $40 million. The Air Force will have to shell out Rs 48 lakh as premium to New India Assurance, the company providing the insurance.
‘‘I understand that it is a law in Singapore to have such an insurance before conducting any flight. And we will abide by it,’’ Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy told The Sunday Express.
The Asian Aerospace 2004, to be held at Changi Airport in Singapore, is considered a prestigious airshow and international companies like Boeing, Embraer and Dissault Aviation are expected to participate in the event.
The decision to send the Suryakiran team is in tune with IAF’s efforts to project its showpiece aerobatic team abroad. The Air Force has never in the past had to insure the public. ‘‘Singapore is a small and densely populated place. The venue is surrounded by highly populated areas and high-rises. Even a small accident carries the risk of extensive damage,’’ explains an official.
According to officials, the team led by Wing Cdr. S. Prabhakaran will also conduct shows at Thailand and Myanmar before reaching Singapore on February 19. This tour, officials said, is the first major effort to project the capabilities of this team. Till now, the team had only travelled to Sri Lanka for an air display performance.
