For the first time Scottish companies in the aerospace sector will be formally represented at the world’s largest air show in Paris in June at a Scottish pavilion, which will make its debut at the Paris Air Show between 20th-26th June at Le Bourget.

2011's largest aerospace trade show is renowned for showcasing technological developments in the sector and alternates with Farnborough each year. In 2009 the Air Show attracted 1982 exhibitors from 48 countries, 137,000 trade visitors and hosted 205 official delegations from 88 countries.

This year, Scottish Development International (SDI) will be hosting a Scottish pavilion for the first time, as part of a wider UK village. Six Scottish companies will be exhibiting (Air Service Training, Aeropair, Avi-IT, Castle Precision Engineering, Inter-Tec and Martin Aerospace) in addition to TalentScotland.

SDI and its partners will be using the show to promote Scotland as an attractive location for inward investment from overseas aerospace and defence-related companies. Ian McMahon, Head of the Aerospace, Defence and Marine team at Scottish Enterprise, said the move would further bolster the profile of the industry in Scotland. He said: “The Paris Air Show is simply the biggest event of its kind in 2011, so we're delighted to have a more visible presence at this year's event in order to maximise opportunities.”