One can see the outline of TEJAS fighter in the new Aero India 2019 logo

A team was tasked to find a new concept around Light Combat Aircraft Tejas for the logo

Bangalore: India’s fighter jet Tejas has landed on the heart of Aero India 2019 logo that has been unveiled by the defence ministry. The air show logo for the first time has a catch line as well – 'The runway to a billion opportunities'.

As reported earlier, after months of uncertainties the ministry decided to stick to air force station at Yelahanka for the 12th edition of Aero India from February 20 to 24.

Having stuck to one logo for the past 11 editions, the ministry chose to give an uplift after a team was tasked to find a new concept around Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

“It’s the job of a team and they have done a decent job. The new logo is inspiring and far better than the one used during many editions in the past. No specific reasons for the change,” an official said.

The official added that the new logo is a tribute to Tejas, which has become the brand ambassador for the ‘Make in India’ campaign in the defence sector.

“The Tri-Coloured silhouette of Tejas with Ashok Chakra in the centre is the core motif of this logo, reminiscent of the spirit of New India. The defined outlines of the 'A' in Aero is symbolic of a fighter jet while conveying that Aero India is a premier global aerospace exhibition,” says a statement put out by the ministry on the air show website.

Interestingly, Dr Ajay Kumar, secretary, defence production, is keeping the Twitterati happy with his regular updates on the ‘Plane Carnival.’ In one of his tweets, he has taken the pains to explain the meaning of the new logo.

Boeing India president Pratyush Kumar says the new logo is a cool one, while aviation photographer Praveen Sundaram termed it as innovative.

'Welcome Change'

This time Tejas will be the biggest attraction at the show.

When Onmanorama sought the thoughts of aerospace don Dr Kota Harinarayana, he said he is always delighted to see Tejas occupying a prime place on India’s military aviation map.

“Welcome change and it is a well-thought out one. It stands out and definitely one that will inspire many. My appreciation to the people behind this creation,” Dr Kota said.

Engineers at Tejas Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) were all fired up to see their product capturing the heart of Aero India logo.

“We are all very happy to see our baby there. It is now being shared on our WhatsApp groups and even many employees are coming to know about the same. This time Tejas will be the biggest attraction at the show,” says an officer of the division.

Aviation enthusiast Hemanth Kumar A Reddy says Tejas couldn’t have asked for a better time to fly into an all-important logo.

“Grew up hearing stories of Tejas, but I am yet to see it from close quarters and this Aero India could be my turn. Glad that Tejas is finally getting the due it deserves,” says Hemanth.