India is gearing up to make a significant entry into aircraft manufacturing, with the ambitious goal of becoming a global hub for plane production. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced the government’s plan to manufacture aircraft domestically, marking a transformative shift in the country’s aviation strategy. This initiative aims not only to meet India’s growing domestic aviation demands but also to position the nation as a major exporter of aircraft.
Naidu emphasised the government’s commitment to pushing forward this ambitious plan. “We want the industry to know that the government is strongly backing the idea of India manufacturing its own planes,” he said. The plan seeks to build a self-sufficient ecosystem for aircraft manufacturing in India, though certain components, such as engines, may initially be sourced from international suppliers. However, the minister clarified that the ultimate goal is to assemble and manufacture the final product within India.
India’s aircraft manufacturing ambitions
The government envisions India as a global centre for aircraft production, with a focus on both domestic and international markets. This initiative also includes the production of regional transport aircraft. To ensure the success of the project, the government plans to create a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to address critical aspects of the industry over the next five years.
Naidu also highlighted the interest of global aviation giants such as Boeing and Airbus in partnering with India. When asked about their potential involvement in the SPV, Naidu confirmed that both companies are eager to collaborate, given India’s importance as a key market for them. The ministry is open to involving global players, leveraging their expertise and technical knowledge.
Extension of RCS-UDAN scheme
In parallel with the aircraft manufacturing push, Naidu discussed the success of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN, launched in 2016 to make air travel more affordable in India. The scheme has been widely successful, and the government now plans to extend it for another 10 years to further enhance the country’s air network. By 2047, the number of airports is expected to rise to 400, with additional plans to construct heliports and water aerodromes.
This dual approach of expanding air connectivity and building a robust aircraft manufacturing sector is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global aviation market and create new opportunities for the domestic industry.
(With inputs from ANI)