India’s first-ever private sector trainer aircraft manufacturing facility is set to be established in Hisar, Haryana, by end of 2025. This milestone project will be developed through a partnership between Tamil Nadu-based Sakthi Group and Austria’s Diamond Aircraft Industries.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Sakthi Aircraft Industry Pvt Ltd (SAIPL) and Aero Club of India (ACI) to manufacture and supply 200 Diamond DA40 NG trainer aircraft in India. The initiative will boost India’s aviation sector by supporting pilot training programs and strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
MoU Details & Aircraft Production Plan
Production will begin in May 2025, with an initial delivery target of 70 aircraft by end of 2025, eventually scaling up to 100 aircraft annually.
Aero Club of India (ACI) Role:
- ACI will act as the central aggregator, managing aircraft demand, allocation, and deliveries to Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) across India.
SAIPL & Diamond Aircraft Industry Collaboration:
- A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be established to produce, sustain, and provide lifecycle support for the DA40 NG trainer aircraft.
Trainer Aircraft Production Timeline:
- First 50 aircraft will be imported as complete knocked-down (CKD) units from Austria and Canada and assembled in India.
- Remaining 150 aircraft will be manufactured in India, with production expected to start in Hisar by 2025.
- Completion of all 200 aircraft deliveries by 2027.
Impact on India’s Aviation Sector
Pilot Training Enhancement:
- The facility is expected to train 1,000 commercial pilots annually and 10,000 pilots over the next decade, addressing the demand for skilled aviation professionals.
- The Aero Club of India, India’s largest trainer aircraft owner, will ensure efficient training and deployment of these pilots.
Boost to ‘Make in India’ & Economic Growth:
- The initiative will generate 250 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs, strengthening India’s aviation manufacturing ecosystem.
- Positions India as a major hub for trainer aircraft manufacturing and pilot training in the global aviation market.
Significance of Project
This strategic partnership between SAIPL and Diamond Aircraft Industry marks a major step in India’s aviation industry, ensuring a consistent and cost-effective supply of advanced training aircraft. The Hisar facility will play a pivotal role in India’s ambition to become a global leader in pilot training and aviation manufacturing.
About Diamond DA40 NG Aircraft
Price: Starts at $600,000 per aircraft.
Features:
- Single-engine, four-seater aircraft with advanced safety, efficiency, and technology.
- Popular among flight training schools and private aircraft owners worldwide.
Competitors: Other major aircraft manufacturers in this segment include Cessna and Tecnam.