Globally, the passenger aircraft manufacturing industry has long been dominated by Airbus and Boeing. Although India possesses the necessary resources and technological capabilities, various challenges have prevented the country from entering the passenger aircraft production sector for decades. Now, India is set to join Russia and China as one of the few nations capable of manufacturing passenger aircraft domestically. To achieve this, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC–UAC) on October 27 in Moscow. Under this collaboration, HAL will produce the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India. The SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft. So far, around 200 units have been produced and are being operated by more than 16 airlines worldwide. This aircraft is expected to play a crucial role in supporting India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which focuses on enhancing regional air connectivity. Through this initiative, HAL aims to challenge the long-standing monopoly of Boeing and Airbus, positioning India as an emerging player in the global passenger aircraft manufacturing sector.
