SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a series of discussions with the Ministry of Aviation, Indian private aerospace companies have strongly advocated for the adoption of an existing aircraft design for the development of a regional airline tailored for short-haul flights within the country. This approach, they argue, would significantly reduce development costs and mitigate the risks associated with starting from a “clean slate” design, given India’s current limitations in testing facilities for such ambitious projects.
The private sector has pointed out that by leveraging an established design, India could bypass the extensive and costly R&D phase typically associated with new aircraft development. This would not only speed up the time to market but also lower the financial risk, which is particularly appealing in an industry where costs can escalate quickly.
Many of these companies have expressed eagerness to participate in the manufacturing process. They are ready to take on roles in developing various sections of the aircraft and its sub-assemblies, showcasing a collaborative spirit that could lead to a robust domestic supply chain.
Two international giants, Embraer from Brazil and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) from Russia, have shown interest in this project. They have proposed that India could manufacture their existing regional jet designs locally. This would involve setting up production lines with their assistance and supplying initial subsystems for the first few aircraft, providing a kickstart to the program. These companies are not just offering designs but also the know-how to establish manufacturing capabilities in India, including training, quality control, and maintenance support, which would be crucial for the project’s success.
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has suggested an all-new design for India’s regional aircraft, which would require an estimated funding of $2-3 billion. However, NAL acknowledges its limitations in terms of expertise and infrastructure to execute such a large-scale program independently. NAL has indicated its openness to the government working with established international players, using their designs to expedite the process. This reflects a pragmatic approach, understanding that the primary goal is to enhance regional connectivity as swiftly and efficiently as possible.
By opting for an existing design, India could quickly expand its regional connectivity under schemes like UDAN, providing more affordable air travel options to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The consensus from these talks leans towards a partnership model where India can benefit from global expertise while building its own manufacturing prowess. The Ministry of Aviation now faces the decision of choosing between the speed and security of an established design or the potential long-term benefits of developing an indigenous aircraft from scratch, albeit with higher risks and costs.
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