India plans to manufacture indigenous planes within 5 years
What's the story
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has announced the Indian government's ambitious plan to venture into aircraft manufacturing. The goal is to transform India into a global hub for this sector within the next five years. "We want to inform the industry that the government is strongly pushing into the idea of India manufacturing its own plane," Naidu stated at a conference in Delhi.
Key player
HAL to lead India's aircraft manufacturing initiative
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to play a pivotal role in this initiative, as revealed by Naidu. The company has already demonstrated its capabilities by manufacturing a 119-seater aircraft. The minister emphasized that the government's aim extends beyond fulfilling domestic needs, and includes positioning India as an exporter of aircraft on the global stage.
Strategic plan
Special Purpose Vehicle to oversee aircraft manufacturing
Naidu disclosed plans to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for this project. The SPV will comprise industry experts, technicians, and government representatives responsible for overseeing the entire process of building indigenous planes. "Our intention is to build the final plane here in India," Naidu stated. He acknowledged that some components or engines might initially need to be sourced from other players, but emphasized the ultimate goal of creating a self-sufficient ecosystem, where every part could be manufactured within India.
Overcoming obstacles
SPV to address challenges in India's aviation segment
Naidu highlighted the importance of the SPV in addressing existing gaps and challenges within India's current infrastructure. "To give a push to regional transport aircraft, we are forming this SPV. In the next five years, we will sit down and address all critical concerns," he assured. When asked about possible collaborations with international giants like Airbus and Boeing, Naidu responded positively, stating that they have a strong inclination to partner with India.
Future prospects
India's potential in the MRO sector
Naidu also underscored India's potential in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. He identified a significant obstacle as the reluctance of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to share their technical knowledge and manuals. "We face difficulties in maintaining these planes, so we must improve our MRO facilities," he stated. The minister clarified that domestic issues would be prioritized before engaging with international players on this front.