In a transformative move for India's aviation industry, Sakthi Aircraft Industry Private Limited (SAIPL) and the Aero Club of India (ACI) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the indigenous manufacture of 200 Diamond DA40 NG trainer aircraft. This agreement represents the largest private-sector order for trainer aircraft in India's history, reinforcing the country's ambition to become a global hub for pilot training and aerospace manufacturing.

This agreement represents the largest private-sector order for trainer aircraft in India's history, reinforcing the country's ambition to become a global hub for pilot training and aerospace manufacturing

With over 1,700 commercial aircraft orders already placed by Indian carriers and an estimated requirement of 30,000 new pilots over the next decade, the demand for flight training capacity has never been higher. However, a severe shortage of training aircraft has hindered India's ability to scale up flight training infrastructure. This deal directly addresses this challenge, ensuring a steady and cost-effective supply of training aircraft to Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) nationwide.

Strengthening India's Aviation Training Ecosystem

The partnership between SAIPL and ACI is poised to revolutionise India's aviation training market, enabling FTOs to scale operations and produce 1,000 trained pilots annually. The first batch of 70 aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2025, with production ramping up to 100 aircraft annually.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, stated, "India is set to become a global leader in pilot training and aircraft manufacturing. This initiative strengthens the 'Make in India' mission by producing world-class aircraft domestically, reducing import dependency, and enhancing self-reliance in aviation."

'Make in India' – A Milestone for Indigenous Aircraft Manufacturing

The DA40 NG, a four-seater, single-engine trainer aircraft, is known for its fuel efficiency, modern avionics (Garmin G1000 NXi), and advanced safety features. The aircraft will be built at a state-of-the-art facility in Hisar, India, as part of a joint venture with Diamond Aircraft Industries, Austria. This marks a milestone for India's aerospace industry, with private-sector investment driving indigenous aircraft manufacturing for the first time.

Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, stated, 'India is set to become a global leader in pilot training and aircraft manufacturing. This initiative strengthens the 'Make in India' mission by producing world-class aircraft domestically, reducing import dependency, and enhancing self-reliance in aviation.'

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, President, Aero Club of India, emphasized the broader impact of the deal, "This collaboration is a crucial step toward addressing India's training aircraft deficit. By producing these aircraft locally and enabling leasing models for FTOs, we are ensuring that India can train pilots at scale, not just for domestic airlines but for the global market as well."

Addressing the Global Pilot Shortage – India as a Training Hub

With the aviation sector witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand, both domestically and internationally, India is positioning itself as a preferred destination for pilot training. As global airlines face a looming pilot shortage, with projections indicating a demand for 650,000 new pilots worldwide by 2040, India's cost-effective, high-quality flight training infrastructure could play a pivotal role in supplying pilots to global carriers.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, President, Aero Club of India, emphasized the broader impact of the deal ensuring that India can train pilots at scale, not just for domestic airlines but for the global market as well

SAIPL CEO, Vaibhav D, highlighted their long-term vision and said, "This initiative goes beyond manufacturing—it's about creating a self-sufficient aviation training ecosystem. With the right infrastructure, financing options, and aircraft availability, India has the potential to train pilots not just for its own airlines, but for the world."

Economic & Industry Impact

• Investment in Local Aerospace Manufacturing: This project will create over 250 direct and thousands of indirect jobs, boosting India's aerospace sector.
• Leasing Model for FTOs: ACI will facilitate aircraft leasing, making it easier for FTOs to expand their fleets without heavy upfront capital investments.
• Standardized Training: Deployment of the DA40 NG across multiple FTOs will ensure consistency in pilot training quality.
• Capacity Building: India will be equipped to train 10,000 pilots over the next decade, strengthening its aviation workforce.

With domestic production, industry-backed leasing models, and world-class training aircraft, India is on the path to becoming one of the most influential players in global pilot training—a true aviation powerhouse of the future

The Road Ahead: A New Era for Indian Aviation

As India continues to expand its commercial aviation fleet at an unprecedented pace, the ability to train and supply pilots will be critical. The SAIPL-ACI agreement represents a bold step towards making India not just self-sufficient in training aircraft production, but a global leader in aviation education.

With domestic production, industry-backed leasing models, and world-class training aircraft, India is on the path to becoming one of the most influential players in global pilot training—a true aviation powerhouse of the future.