Historic Partnership to Boost Pilot Training in India

In a groundbreaking move, Sakthi Aircraft Industry Pvt Ltd (SAIPL) and the Aero Club of India (ACI) have announced a strategic partnership to manufacture and supply 200 Diamond DA40 NG trainer aircraft in India. This initiative marks the first private manufacturing of trainer aircraft in the country, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' initiative.

Manufacturing and Supply Details

SAIPL, in collaboration with Diamond Aircraft Industry of Austria, is set to establish a manufacturing facility in India. This facility will not only produce but also sustain and provide comprehensive lifecycle support for the DA40 NG aircraft. The production is scheduled to commence deliveries by May 2025, with an ambitious target of producing 70 aircraft by the end of 2025 and scaling up to 100 aircraft annually thereafter.

Enhancing Training Capacity

ACI will play a crucial role in facilitating aircraft leasing for Flying Training Organizations (FTOs), thereby expanding their training capacity. This collaboration is expected to train 1,000 pilots annually, with a long-term goal of training 10,000 pilots over the next decade. These pilots will be equipped to operate a wide range of commercial aircraft, significantly boosting India's aviation sector.

Government and Industry Support

Union Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu hailed this partnership as a significant milestone towards establishing India as a global hub for FTOs. He emphasized the importance of this development in fostering a self-reliant ecosystem for pilot training in India, reducing dependency on imports, and empowering the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, President of Aero Club of India, and Vaibhav D, CEO of SAIPL, both expressed their enthusiasm for this partnership. They highlighted the potential of this initiative to address the shortage of trainer aircraft, stimulate innovation, create high-skilled jobs, and establish India as a global aviation hub.

About the Diamond DA40 NG

The Diamond DA40 NG (Next Generation) is a state-of-the-art, single-engine, four-seat aircraft featuring a glass cockpit, typically equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. This aircraft represents the next step in pilot training technology, offering an advanced platform for aspiring pilots.