India’s First Trainer Aircraft Factory to Open in Hisar, Creating 250 Jobs

India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driving a soaring demand for skilled pilots. To meet this need and enhance self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing, India is launching a new trainer aircraft manufacturing unit in Hisar, Haryana. This initiative will create thousands of jobs and position India as a key player in the global aviation industry.

Sakthi Aircraft Industry: Transforming India’s Aviation Landscape

Spearheading this project is Sakthi Aircraft Industry, a joint venture between Coimbatore-based Sakthi Group and Austria’s Diamond Aircraft Industries. The company plans to manufacture 150 trainer aircraft at the new facility, reinforcing India’s aviation ecosystem.

Recently, Sakthi Aircraft Industry signed an MoU with the Aero Club of India (ACI) in New Delhi to supply 200 DA40 NG trainer aircraft to Flying Training Organizations (FTOs). ACI will oversee demand aggregation, aircraft distribution, and seamless handovers to FTOs nationwide.

DA40 NG Trainer Aircraft: Cutting-Edge Technology for Pilot Training

The DA40 NG is a modern, single-engine, four-seater aircraft recognized for its efficiency, safety, and advanced avionics. With the first deliveries expected in May 2025, production will ramp up to 100 aircraft per year as the facility reaches full operational capacity.

Boosting Jobs and ‘Make in India’ Manufacturing

The new manufacturing unit will generate 250 direct jobs and numerous indirect employment opportunities. According to Vaibhav D, CEO of Sakthi Aircraft Industry, local production will help bridge India’s trainer aircraft shortage, foster innovation, and strengthen India’s aerospace sector.

The first 50 aircraft will be imported as kits from Austria and Canada for local assembly. However, the remaining 150 aircraft will be fully manufactured in India, with the Hisar facility expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025. Over the next five years, the company aims to source 60-70% of components locally, aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Investment & Expansion Plans

The project will see an investment of ₹1,500-₹2,000 crore over the next three years, up from the initial ₹500 crore. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu has hailed this development as a landmark achievement for India’s aerospace sector.

Addressing India’s Soaring Pilot Demand

India’s aviation industry requires 30,000 new pilots over the next 15-20 years, a sharp increase from the current 6,000-7,000 pilots. With 38 Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) currently operating, this number is expected to grow. Locally manufactured trainer aircraft will reduce costs, enhance accessibility, and support pilot training expansion.