The Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mr. Jayant Sinha inaugurated Structural Assembly of HAL-Do-228 (Civil variant) at HAL's Kanpur facility yesterday. “We are keen to take forward our Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and HAL has an important role to play in this”, he said. The Minister pointed out that there is a marker demand for at least 200 such aircraft and the government would conclude the contract with HAL once the first aircraft is rolled-out.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL said he expects the first aircraft to roll-out by April next year. The DO-228-201 upgraded version, a 19 seater commuter aircraft currently being manufactured at HAL Transport Aircraft Division (TAD) Kanpur is the most suitable product under “Make in India” category for Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). “Our aim is to help the Government in its mission to provide affordable and sustainable air travel with access to various parts of India. As a proactive step in this direction HAL board sanctioned Rs. 100 crores for two civil variants though there is no firm order. We see a big business opportunity in this segment for next 10 years”, he said. HAL has already started manufacturing two civil demonstrator aircraft.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries spoke on the occasion. Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, MP who was chief guest hailed HAL's contribution to the defence sector and called upon employees to make this new venture a complete success.

Mr. Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Accessories Complex (HAL) welcomed the gathering.

The Kanpur Division is already accredited with civil certification CAR 21 for manufacture and CAR 145 for Dornier-228 Maintenance Repair & Overhaul of Dornier-228-201 aircraft.

The Vayudoot, had previously operated 19 seater DO-228 manufactured by HAL for short haul regional applications covering almost all parts of India.

HAL-Do-228 is a twin turboprop, high wing aircraft with a retractable tricycle landing gear most suitable for regional connectivity. The maximum seating capacity of aircraft is 19 passengers and two crew members (a pilot and a co-pilot).