By Sivadath Madhu Menon
Assistant Professor of Law & Head of Vertical - Aviation Law, Dhirubhai Ambani University – School of Law
India’s decision to manufacture the SJ100 regional aircraft through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) marks a significant milestone in the country’s civil aviation landscape. Having established strong credentials in defence aviation over several decades, India’s move into commercial aircraft production represents a purposeful effort to build domestic capability, enhance technological depth and support broader national economic goals.
India’s civil aviation market has been growing steadily, supported by a rapidly expanding middle class, rising air travel demand and increasing connectivity between metropolitan areas and emerging regional centres. Domestic passenger traffic has consistently registered upward movement, strengthening India’s position among the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. This growth, combined with sustained investments in airports and aviation infrastructure, creates a practical and strategic foundation for entering commercial aircraft production.
The SJ100 initiative aligns clearly with national programmes such as UDAN, which seeks to improve air connectivity across smaller cities and underserved regions. Regional aircraft play a central role in achieving this aim, enabling efficient short-haul connectivity, supporting business travel and facilitating wider economic access. As India moves toward the vision of Viksit Bharat, building reliable aviation capacity and strengthening domestic manufacturing are key elements of national development.
India continues to maintain a balanced aviation engagement strategy, working with partners across various geographies while preserving independence in decision-making. The SJ100 effort fits within this approach, focusing on developing industrial skills, enhancing technical capability and expanding India’s participation in civil aviation supply chains.
While the strategic intent is clear, commercial realities must be evaluated thoughtfully. Aircraft success depends not only on production but also on operational reliability, maintenance support and long-term cost efficiency. Airlines make decisions based on performance over time, access to parts, maintenance predictability and after-sales support. Ensuring strong technical support systems and dependable servicing capability will be essential to gaining the confidence of domestic operators.
A specific aspect relevant to the aircraft’s background is its engine history. The SJ100 originally operated with the PowerJet SaM146 engine, developed through a joint venture between Snecma (now Safran Aircraft Engines) of France and NPO Saturn of Russia. This arrangement supported the aircraft’s initial certification and deployment. In recent years, however, global supply-chain developments and geopolitical shifts have affected access to certain components linked to that engine. Consequently, a fully domestic engine programme for future production has been initiated within the original manufacturing framework. This transition highlights the importance of ensuring uninterrupted maintenance support, parts availability and a stable servicing structure for any aircraft produced in India.
Progress in commercial aviation manufacturing also requires strong regulatory oversight. Certification, safety compliance, and quality standards must remain consistent with international norms. India’s aviation regulators and industry bodies will play a central role in ensuring that the manufacturing process and long-term operational support meet high safety and performance standards.
Civil aircraft manufacturing develops gradually. Nations that have advanced in this field have done so through sustained effort, careful planning and continuous improvement. India is now laying an early foundation. A disciplined and practical approach, with emphasis on technical reliability, after-sales support and regulatory strength, will be essential.
If executed with clarity, professionalism and long-term focus, the SJ100 programme can contribute meaningfully to India’s aviation expansion and industrial capability. It has the potential to reinforce India’s goals under Viksit Bharat, support national mobility objectives such as UDAN, and build confidence in India as a credible participant in the commercial aviation sector.