• Source:JND

India's aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have entered into a historic partnership in the civil aviation sector as they signed a pact to produce Russia's renowned Superjet-100 (SJ-100) aircraft in India.

The agreement was signed during the Wings India international aviation exhibition in Hyderabad, Russian agency TASS reported .

What's the deal?

Under the newly reached agreement, HAL will undertake license-based production of twin-engine narrow-body jet aircraft, supporting the "Make in India."

Speaking at the exhibition in Hyderabad, HAL CMD DK Sunil told the media that the company aims to begin production of the semi-knocked-down SJ-100 aircraft at its existing facilities within the next three years.

He further stated that they could receive approximately 10 aircraft in the next one-and-half year. He added that for a country like India, they see a good market for more than 200 aircraft.

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The HAL CMD explained that the target is not to wait for production, but to deploy the aircraft as quickly as possible. HAL would like to lease approximately 10 to 20 aircraft, which could be purchased directly from Russia in airworthy condition.

Why it is a game-changer deal?

The SJ-100 is an efficient and high-tech commercial aircraft. The deal aims at reducing dependence on imports of civil aircrafts from big western players.

The deal puts India's agenda to emerge as a civil aircraft manufacturer back on track. These SJ-100 will augment regional connectivity, while boosting India's civil aviation industry.

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The rampantly growing civil aviation in India is in need of aircrafts. Among salient features about Indian industry is its bulky domestic travel and a large section of middle class tarvellers.

In order to accomodate them, smaller aircrafts can prove to be game changer. Designed using cutting-edge technologies, SJ-100 typically seats 87 to 108. Currently, it is operated by nine Russian airlines and several Russian and foreign government operators.


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