March 11, 2025 – In a transformative move for India’s aviation sector, the Aero Club of India (ACI) and Sakthi Aircraft Industry Private Limited (SAIPL) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to domestically manufacture 200 Diamond DA40 NG trainer aircraft, aiming to significantly boost the country’s pilot training capacity and self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing.
The MoU, signed in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and key industry stakeholders, marks a pivotal step toward reducing India’s dependence on imported training aircraft and aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
Key Highlights:
- The project is expected to generate over 250 direct jobs and numerous indirect opportunities across supply chains and aviation training institutes.
- 200 DA40 NG Aircraft to be manufactured, with 150 units planned to be built in India and the rest in Austria under technology partnership with Diamond Aircraft Industries.
- The initiative will support training of over 1,000 pilots annually, helping meet the growing demand in India’s civil aviation and commercial airline sectors.
Strategic Significance:
India is currently facing a critical shortfall in training aircraft, which has hindered the growth of flight training organizations (FTOs) across the country. The DA40 NG, a state-of-the-art, four-seater single-engine aircraft equipped with modern avionics and a jet-fuel engine, is globally recognized for its safety, efficiency, and suitability for pilot training.
Statements from Leadership:
Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, applauded the initiative, stating:
“This MoU is a step in the right direction toward making India a global hub for aviation training. Indigenous manufacturing of trainer aircraft will not only strengthen our infrastructure but also ensure better accessibility and affordability for aspiring pilots.”
Captain Rajiv Pratap Rudy, President of the Aero Club of India, expressed enthusiasm over the partnership:
“This MoU marks a historic milestone for general aviation in India. For far too long, our flying clubs and training institutions have faced an acute shortage of reliable trainer aircraft. By manufacturing the DA40 NG domestically, we are addressing this challenge head-on. This initiative not only supports our aviation ecosystem but also sends a strong message about India’s ability to build world-class aviation infrastructure. It is a step toward self-sufficiency, skill development, and economic empowerment in the aviation sector.”
Group Captain Arvind Badoni (Retd.), Secretary General of the Aero Club of India, remarked:
“This partnership is more than an industrial collaboration — it is a national mission. With this agreement, we aim to support every Indian flying school with reliable, world-class training aircraft made in India.”
Mr. Vaibhav D, CEO of Sakthi Aircraft Industry, added:
“Our collaboration with ACI and Diamond Aircraft represents a technological leap for Indian aviation. We are committed to building advanced aircraft in India, backed by global expertise and local talent.”
The Road Ahead:
The first batch of Indian-made DA40 NG aircraft is expected to roll out by the end of 2025, with mass production scaling to 100 aircraft per year thereafter. The aircraft will be supplied to flying clubs, FTOs, and aviation academies across the country.
The Aero Club of India, as the apex body for general aviation and air sports in the country, will play a crucial role in coordinating training infrastructure development, certification, and capacity-building among flight schools.
