India Aims to Create Global Aircraft Manufacturing Hub

At an event in Delhi, Union Minister KR Naidu announced India's ambitious plans to become a global hub for aircraft manufacturing. Spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and supported by a Special Purpose Vehicle, the initiative aims to meet domestic demand and export aircraft internationally.

India is set to become a global hub for aircraft manufacturing, Union Minister KR Naidu revealed on Wednesday at a Delhi event. The Civil Aviation Minister announced the government's strong push towards enabling India to manufacture its own planes.

Naidu's declaration was more than a policy announcement; it was a vision for India's future in the aviation sector. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which already manufactures a 119-seater aircraft, will be a key player. The initiative aims to meet not only domestic needs but also position India as an aircraft exporter.

Plans include creating a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) involving industry experts, technicians, and government officials to oversee indigenous plane production. Though some components may initially come from international sources, the ultimate goal is a self-sustaining ecosystem. Naidu also stressed improving Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities as crucial for this vision, acknowledging current gaps and challenges but asserting a readiness to engage international partners like Airbus and Boeing.

(With inputs from agencies.)