Image courtesy: HAL

The Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha inaugurated Structural Assembly of HAL-Do-228 (Civil variant) at HAL's Kanpur facility recently. "We are keen to take forward our Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and HAL has an important role to play in this", he said.

The Minister pointed out that there is a marker demand for at least 200 such aircraft and the government would conclude the contract with HAL once the first aircraft is rolled-out.

Speaking on the occasion, T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL said he expects the first aircraft to roll-out by April next year. The DO-228-201 upgraded version, a 19 seater commuter aircraft currently being manufactured at HAL Transport Aircraft Division (TAD) Kanpur is the most suitable product under "Make in India" category for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).

"Our aim is to help the Government in its mission to provide affordable and sustainable air travel with access to various parts of India. As a proactive step in this direction HAL board sanctioned Rs. 100 crores for two civil variants though there is no firm order. We see a big business opportunity in this segment for next 10 years", he said. HAL has already started manufacturing two civil demonstrator aircraft.

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