India’s First Private Trainer Aircraft Factory to Launch in Haryana by 2025

India’s first private-sector trainer aircraft manufacturing facility is set to launch in Hisar, Haryana, by the end of 2025. This project is a collaboration between Tamil Nadu-based Sakthi Group and Austria’s Diamond Aircraft Industries. Their joint venture, Sakthi Aircraft Industry, will assemble and manufacture DA40 NG trainer planes, with an initial order of 200 aircraft for Indian flying training organizations (FTOs). The first 50 planes will be imported as complete knocked-down (CKD) units, while the remaining 150 will be built locally.

The plant aims to produce 100 aircraft annually and achieve 60-70% local component sourcing within five years. The entire 200-aircraft order is expected to be fulfilled by 2027. With a starting price of around $600,000, the DA40 NG is a globally popular trainer aircraft. India’s aviation sector is rapidly growing, with an estimated need for 30,000 pilots over the next 15-20 years, driving demand for training aircraft. Currently, the country has 38 FTOs, with more expected as demand rises. The Aero Club of India will oversee aircraft allocation and facilitate leasing options for FTOs. This initiative aims to train 1,000 commercial pilots annually, reaching a total of 10,000 in the next decade.

India’s First Private Trainer Aircraft Factory to Launch in Haryana by 2025

India is on track to establish its first-ever private-sector trainer aircraft manufacturing facility in Hisar, Haryana, by the end of 2025. This significant development is the result of a collaboration between Tamil Nadu-based Sakthi Group and Austria’s Diamond Aircraft Industries. Their joint venture, Sakthi Aircraft Industry, will focus on setting up a final assembly line (FAL) to produce DA40 NG trainer aircraft. These aircraft will primarily cater to the needs of the country’s growing number of flying schools, helping strengthen India’s aviation training ecosystem.

As part of an initial agreement, the joint venture has signed a deal with the Aero Club of India to supply 200 DA40 NG trainer aircraft to flying training organizations (FTOs) across the country. In the first phase, 50 aircraft will be imported in complete knocked-down (CKD) form from Diamond Aircraft’s existing manufacturing facilities in Austria and Canada. These aircraft will then be assembled in India. The remaining 150 aircraft will be manufactured at the new facility in Hisar, which is expected to become operational by late 2025. The facility aims to achieve a production capacity of 100 aircraft per year, ensuring a steady supply of training planes to meet rising demand.

Looking ahead, Sakthi Aircraft Industry has set a goal of increasing local sourcing of aircraft components. Over the next five years, the company aims to ensure that 60-70% of components used in the DA40 NG aircraft are sourced from Indian suppliers. Many of these suppliers already provide parts to leading global aerospace companies like Airbus and Boeing. By focusing on indigenous manufacturing, the initiative aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” vision and strengthens the country’s aerospace sector. The joint venture expects to complete the full order of 200 aircraft by 2027.

While financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed, industry insiders estimate that the DA40 NG trainer aircraft has a starting price of approximately $600,000. Known for its advanced technology, efficiency, and safety features, the DA40 NG is widely used for pilot training and private aviation worldwide.

India’s aviation industry is currently experiencing rapid expansion, leading to an urgent need for well-trained pilots. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu recently emphasized that India will require around 30,000 new pilots over the next 15-20 years. This is a significant jump from the country’s current 6,000-7,000 pilots. The increase in demand is driven by Indian airlines, which collectively have more than 1,700 aircraft on order. Since each commercial aircraft requires multiple pilots—ranging from 15-20 for narrow-body jets to 25-30 for wide-body aircraft—the need for a robust pilot training ecosystem has never been greater.

Currently, India has 38 approved FTOs, and this number is expected to rise as the aviation industry expands. The collaboration between the Aero Club of India and Sakthi Aircraft Industry is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the pilot shortage. The joint venture is projected to train around 1,000 commercial pilots annually, amounting to 10,000 pilots over the next decade.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Aero Club of India will serve as a central aggregator for aircraft allocation. It will manage the distribution of DA40 NG aircraft to FTOs and ensure a smooth handover process. Additionally, the Aero Club will work with financial institutions to help flying schools lease the trainer aircraft, making it more accessible to training organizations.

This initiative marks a major milestone in India’s aviation sector, as it not only supports domestic aircraft production but also strengthens pilot training infrastructure. By manufacturing trainer aircraft locally, India is taking a significant step toward self-reliance in aviation technology. The joint venture between Sakthi Group and Diamond Aircraft Industries is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of pilot training in the country, helping meet the growing demand for skilled aviators while boosting India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.