SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move to bolster regional connectivity within India, the Ministry of Aviation has convened round table discussions with representatives from numerous Indian airline companies. The consensus from these meetings supports the development of an Indigenous regional aircraft designed for short-haul flights, with a range capability of 600-800 kilometres. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to expand India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) program.
The absence of a government-owned airline has shifted the onus onto private-sector airline companies to help shape this initiative. According to sources speaking to idrw.org, there’s strong backing from these airlines for a made-in-India solution that can cater to the unique demands of regional air travel in the country.
The Ministry of Aviation has expressed its willingness to support this project, particularly through subsidies or incentives that could lower the cost of acquisition for airlines. This financial backing is seen as crucial to encourage airline companies to opt for the indigenous plane over foreign alternatives.
Airline officials have been actively involved in providing feedback. The Ministry has invited these companies to submit detailed recommendations on desired features and capabilities, ensuring the aircraft meets the operational needs of the Indian market. This includes specifications on passenger capacity, fuel efficiency, maintenance requirements, and adaptability to the varied geographical and climatic conditions across India.
idrw.org has learned that the next phase involves consolidating the airlines’ recommendations into a cohesive design brief. This will guide the development team, which might include public sector undertakings, private manufacturers, or a consortium. The government is looking at a timeline where conceptualization and initial design could begin shortly, with prototype development and testing phases to follow.
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