New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) Nearly 200 domestic and global players in the aerospace business, including Airbus, Boeing, Bell, Thales and Dassault are participating in the five-day Indian Aviation 2010 exposition in Hyderabad from March 3.

Hosted by the civil aviation ministry, France will be the partner country at this year's exposition, the second since 2008, which is expected to attract over 500 delegates from 17 countries.

'More that 40 aircraft will be on display at the Begumpet Airport. Some manufacturers will also deliver their aircraft to domestic companies during the show,' Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said.

One of the highlights of the show will be the display of the advanced AN-148 aircraft of Russia's Antonov for the first time in India.

'This will be a show of the country's aviation and the potential it holds in the future,' said Patel, adding the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will be the co-hosts.

'It will also act as a stimulus in providing the much needed business opportunity to the stakeholders in the industry to tide over the current recessionary times.'

Those participating at the show will not only include aircraft manufacturers, but also in-flight catering firms, infrastructure majors, airlines and flight simulation firms.

Concerning security at Delhi's IGI airport, the minister said his ministry would take necessary measures. There were reports of runway getting too close to NH8 stretch (Delhi-Gurgaon Road) and aircraft getting fully exposed to public.