HAL aims to raise civil aviation share to 25% in 10 years

HAL plans to raise civil aviation’s share of its revenue to 25% over the next decade. The company will focus on Dhruv-NG helicopters, Hindustan 228 aircraft, and the proposed production of Russian SJ-100 regional jets.

Hyderabad: In the next 10 years, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) aims to increase its civil aviation footprint from the present five to six per cent to 25 per cent of its total turnover with its Dhruv-NG, a utility helicopter, Hindustan 228 aircraft, and the proposed manufacturing of the Russian Superjet-100 aircraft, among other civil aircraft.

Speaking to media persons at Wings India 2026 here on Wednesday, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr DK Sunil said the HAL would take 10 SJ-100 aircraft from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation on lease and later on take up production of the aircraft, which fills the gap of an over 100-seat plane for short-range regional operations.

---

“Initially, we will lease and then start manufacturing these aircraft, which are expected in the next three years. We already have necessary facilities put in place for production,” he said, adding that shorter regional Indian operators have already expressed their keenness for about 20 aircraft.

As for the Dhruv-NG, he said Pawan Hans has already ordered 10 helicopters, which would be used for deploying personnel for offshore operations of the ONGC from Mumbai to Mumbai high seas. “Dhruv-NG has a lot of new features like terrain awareness and a more capable glass cockpit,” he said. HAL sees a great opportunity for this aircraft in the BSF, heli-tourism and evacuations, Dr Sunil said the twin-engine helicopter was much more reliable in the high altitude areas.

Responding to a query, Dr Sunil said the Hindustan 228 aircraft has been facing a shortage of trained pilots. “The flight simulator is with IAF, which agreed to share it with HAL for training the pilots. We are also setting up another simulator by the end of this year, allowing us to train more pilots,” he added.