India’s Aviation Sector Backs Local Development of Short-Haul Regional Aircraft

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.