Bengaluru, Feb 4 (UNI) On a historic day in February 1911, Bengaluru witnessed its first powered flight, a significant moment that would lay the foundation for the city’s eventual emergence as India’s aviation hub.
Belgian aviators Baron Pierre De Caters and Jules Wyck soared above Parade Ground (Chinnaswamy Stadium), captivating an audience of 25,000 spectators as they introduced the spectacle of flight to the people of India.
The event, organised by British army, marked a turning point in the nation’s aviation history, sparking interest and enthusiasm in powered flight at a time when aviation was still in its infancy across the globe.

This momentous occasion signalled the beginning of a long and storied aviation legacy for Bengaluru, a city that would go on to become the epicentre of India’s aerospace industry. The foundations laid on that day helped transform Bengaluru into a city synonymous with aviation excellence, housing key institutions such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force’s Training Command.

The duo’s journey across India was nothing short of adventurous. Initially, their plans to host an aviation meeting in Mumbai were thwarted when the city refused permission. Undeterred, they crated their aircraft and headed to Kolkata, where De Caters made several flights from the Tollygunge Club.

One of his most remarkable flights took place on 21 December 1910, when he flew for 27 minutes with Mrinalini Sen, the sister-in-law of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, as a passenger.
Despite a fire that damaged one of their aircraft, the aviators pressed on, reaching Bengaluru on 2 February 1911. They were warmly welcomed by the Maharaja of Mysuru, an event that further solidified the city’s association with aviation.

Just a few weeks later, De Caters continued his tour, flying in Secunderabad from February 16 to 18, before completing his Indian journey and returning to Europe. Afterward, De Caters dissolved his aviation company and did not participate in any more competitions.
The impact of their visit lingered in the region. In 1937, the Government of Mysuru launched the first air services between Bengaluru and Mumbai, offering a joyride experience in collaboration with the Indian Aviation Development Company. The venture, undertaken at a cost of ₹2 lakh, marked another significant milestone in Bengaluru's aviation history.
As Aero India 2025 draws closer, the city’s aviation heritage remains a proud testament to the early pioneers, whose groundbreaking flight on that day set the stage for the thriving aviation ecosystem that Bengaluru is known for today.
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