Stress laid on Made in India civilian craft

HAL official points out that India must have such an aircraft considering fact the that it is world's ninth largest market

India should aim at realising its long-standing dream of building a regional civil aircraft by 2020-22 as it possesses the required skills-sets and the cost advantage, said Ajay Shankar, member secretary, National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC), here.

Speaking at the strategic meet on Regional Civil Aircraft, held here, he called upon the more than 100 potential business partners present on the occasion to actively participate in the brain-storming session and discuss the challenges and risks involved.

“We can surprise ourselves and the world by rolling-out a medium-range civil aircraft,” he added.

R K Tyagi, Chairman, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd), in his address, pointed out, India must have such an aircraft considering the fact that it is world’s ninth largest market and will be third by 2020.  

“It is important to have our own aircraft. HAL and NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories) have taken the lead to build this aircraft on a PPP model where you all will be contributing,” he said.

“A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is being formed by HAL and NAL to steer this project. The purpose of this strategic partners meet is to ensure inclusive involvement of all the potential business entities right from the beginning,” he added.

A team of experts drawn from government agencies, private firms and research organisations participated in the deliberatioons on the challenges on various fronts, including technology, time scales, conceptual design issues, manufacturing skills needed and commercial viability.

Several senior executives from companies in India and abroad shared their views and evinced confidence in the success of the programme. Among the participants were GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Eaton, Mahendra and Titan among others.