New Delhi. Sakthi Aircraft Industry Private Limited (SAIPL) and the Aero Club of India (ACI) on March 11 announced a ground-breaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) to manufacture and supply 200 Diamond DA40 NG trainer aircraft in India. This strategic partnership, aligned with the Government of India’s “Make in India” initiative, aims to revolutionise the commercial pilot training landscape by ensuring a consistent and cost-effective supply of advanced training aircraft to FTOs across the nation.
Under the agreement, ACI will act as the central aggregator, consolidating demand, managing aircraft allocation, and facilitating seamless handovers to FTOs. SAIPL, in a joint venture with Diamond Aircraft Industry, Austria, will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in India to produce, sustain, and provide comprehensive lifecycle support for the DA40 NG.
The MoU was formalised by Vaibhav D, Chief Executive Officer, SAIPL, and Capt Arvind Badoni, Secretary General, ACI, in the presence of Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India and Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India and Senior Vice President, Aero Club of India along with senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Airport Authority of India (AAI).
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
- Significant Manufacturing Commitment: SAIPL will commence deliveries by May 2025, with an initial target of 70 aircraft by the end of 2025, and subsequently scale-up to produce 100 aircraft annually.
- Largest Trainer Aircraft Order: This initiative represents one of the largest single orders for trainer aircraft, significantly enhancing India’s pilot training infrastructure.
- Pilot Training Capacity Expansion: The collaboration is projected to train 1,000 pilots annually and 10,000 pilots over the next 10 years, equipping them to operate the entire range of commercial aircraft.
- Financial Accessibility: ACI will collaborate with financial partners to offer commercial lease arrangements, reducing the capital burden on FTOs and making training more accessible.
- Enhanced Training Standards: The deployment of uniform, high-quality DA40 NG aircraft will standardise and elevate pilot training across India.
- Economic Impact: With significant investment from SAIPL, this initiative is expected to generate approximately 250 direct and exponentially more indirect jobs, contributing to economic growth and a robust aviation ecosystem.
Leadership Perspectives:
Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, said, “I would like to congratulate Aero Club of India and Sakthi Aircraft Industry Pvt. Ltd. on this historic occasion. The signing of this MoU is a significant milestone in our vision to establish India as a global hub for flight training organisations. I would like to especially congratulate Sakthi Aircraft Industry on becoming the first private company in India to manufacture training aircraft in India. I see this development as a testament to our growing capabilities in aerospace innovation and manufacturing. It empowers the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat envisioned by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By manufacturing these aircraft indigenously, we are not only reducing dependency on imports but also fostering a self-reliant ecosystem for pilot training in India.”
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, President, Aero Club of India (ACI), stated, “This partnership with Sakthi Aircraft Industry marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to bolstering India’s aviation sector. By ensuring a reliable supply of Diamond DA40 NG aircraft, we are addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots and strengthening our flight training infrastructure. This initiative aligns perfectly with the ‘Make in India’ vision, fostering self-reliance and excellence in aviation.”
Vaibhav D, CEO, Sakthi Aircraft Industries Private Limited (SAIPL), commented, “We are proud to join hands with the Aero Club of India to drive India’s aviation manufacturing and training capabilities. Local production of the DA40 NG will not only address the critical shortage of trainer aircraft but also stimulate innovation, create high-skilled jobs, and establish India as a global aviation hub. This collaboration underscores our commitment to investing in the future of Indian aviation.”
The Diamond DA40 NG (“Next Generation”) is a modern, single-engine, four-seat aircraft renowned for its efficiency, safety, and advanced technology. It is constructed from durable composite materials, contributing to its aerodynamic performance and long life. A key feature is its Austro Engine AE300 turbocharged diesel engine, which offers significant fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs compared to traditional avgas engines.
The DA40 NG is also equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, typically featuring the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, providing pilots with enhanced situational awareness and advanced flight management capabilities. This combination of features makes the DA40 NG a popular choice for flight training organisations and private owners alike, and is valued for its reliability, performance, and modern design.
Established in 1927 and affiliated with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) since 1950, ACI has been instrumental in developing flight training organisations in India. As the largest owner of training aircraft in India, ACI supports numerous governments, semi-government, and public-private partnership FTOs.
SAIPL is a subsidiary of the renowned Sakthi Group of Coimbatore, dedicated to advancing India’s aviation manufacturing and training capabilities through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.
