HAL to Manufacture SJ-100 Passenger Planes in Major ‘Make In India’ Boost
In a significant development for India’s aviation sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation to produce SJ-100 passenger aircraft domestically.
Key Takeaways
- HAL gains rights to manufacture SJ-100 aircraft for Indian customers
- First complete passenger aircraft to be made in India since 1988
- Project aligns with UDAN scheme for regional connectivity
- Expected to create jobs and boost private sector participation
SJ-100 Aircraft Specifications and Capabilities
The SJ-100 is a Russian-origin twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft designed primarily for commercial operations. United Aircraft Corporation has manufactured over 200 such aircraft currently used by 16 commercial airline operators worldwide.
HAL described the SJ-100 as a potential game-changer for short-haul connectivity under India’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which aims to enhance air travel access across the country.
Strategic Importance for Indian Aviation
This manufacturing initiative comes when Indian air travel is experiencing substantial growth. Major carriers like Air India and Indigo plan to add over 1,000 aircraft to their fleets. HAL estimates India will require more than 200 regional jets over the next decade.
“The manufacturing of the SJ-100 aircraft marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Indian aviation industry. It’s a step towards fulfilling the dream of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the civil aviation sector.” HAL said in a statement.
The public sector company emphasized that local manufacturing would strengthen private sector participation and generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities across the aviation industry. This project represents India’s first complete passenger aircraft manufacturing since the AVRO HS748 production ended in 1988.
