The Indian government is making significant strides towards self-reliance in the global aviation industry. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the government is establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manufacture regional transport aircraft.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he emphasised that India can now design, manufacture, and maintain aircraft, with policies already in place to support this vision. With domestic airlines ordering over 1,500 aircraft to meet rising demand, the government aims to develop a local manufacturing ecosystem. The SPV, planned for a five-year timeline, will bring together key stakeholders, assess the current landscape, and chart a roadmap for production, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative.
He also highlighted efforts to enhance workforce skills, citing 58 Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) preparing future aviation professionals. The government is strengthening aircraft manufacturing capabilities, including component production and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities.
He provided an update on the Saras Mk2, a 19-seater Light Transport Aircraft developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Featuring advanced composite wings, lightweight materials, and modern avionics, the Saras Mk2 underscores India’s push for indigenous aviation technologies. These initiatives aim to reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and establish India as a key player in the global aviation industry.
