Plane manufacturing is set to become a major focus for India, as Civil Aviation Minister KR Naidu revealed on Wednesday at a conference in Delhi. This ambitious initiative aims to establish India as a leading global hub for production of planes.
During his address, Naidu emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing India’s aircraft manufacturing capabilities. “We want to convey to the industry that the government is wholeheartedly dedicated to the concept of India producing its own planes,” Naidu stated.
His remarks were not just about introducing a new policy; they represented a forward-looking vision for positioning India within the international aviation sector. The primary driver behind this initiative will be Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is set to play a pivotal role.
According to Naidu, HAL has already made strides by manufacturing a 119-seater plane. The government’s strategy involves expanding this effort to not only cater to domestic needs but also to establish India as a competitive exporter of planes on the global stage.
Further elaborating on the plan, Naidu outlined the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a dedicated team that will consist of industry experts, skilled technicians, and government officials. This SPV will oversee the entire process of developing and producing indigenous planes. “Our objective is to manufacture the complete aircraft here in India,” Naidu asserted.
He also acknowledged that initially, there might be a need to import certain components or engines. However, the long-term goal is to develop a self-sufficient ecosystem capable of producing every part within India itself. Naidu highlighted the necessity of addressing the current gaps and challenges in the infrastructure.
He underscored the critical role of the SPV in managing these issues effectively. “To bolster regional transport aircraft, we are establishing this SPV. Over the next five years, we will tackle all significant concerns,” he assured.
When queried about the involvement of global giants such as Airbus and Boeing in the SPV, Naidu responded that India’s status as a major client for these companies, coupled with their strong interest in collaborating, would likely lead to their participation. “We will engage all relevant parties in terms of their expertise and knowledge,” he noted.
In addition, Naidu pointed out the opportunities for India in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. He identified a major challenge as the lack of technical expertise, exacerbated by the reluctance of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to share critical manuals and knowledge.
“We face challenges in maintaining these plains, so it is essential that we enhance our MRO capabilities,” he said. The minister concluded by emphasizing that the initial focus will be on resolving domestic challenges. Once India’s infrastructure is adequately developed, the country will then engage more extensively with international partners.
