HAL eyes 2029 launch for India’s first ‘Make in India’ civil aircraft
To make India hub of aviation in the world, Wings India 2026 was inaugurated at Begumpet Airport here on Tuesday, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) using the platform to announce that India’s first indigenously developed civil aircraft will be launched by 2029.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Dr D K Sunil said the aircraft would be operational as a commercial platform and would play a key role in strengthening regional air connectivity across the country.
Speaking to The Pioneer on the sidelines of the wings India, Dr Sunil said, “HAL’s civilian aircraft will be operational by 2029. It will be a commercially viable platform and will significantly enhance regional connectivity in India.”
At the four-day aviation show, being held from January 28 to 31, 2026, HAL showcased its expanding civil aviation portfolio, underlining its growing footprint beyond defence manufacturing. The centrepieces of HAL’s display include the H-228 commuter aircraft, the Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter and the Super Jet (SJ)-100 regional aircraft, which made its formal debut at the event.
Highlighting HAL’s long-term vision, Dr Sunil said the display of the Dhruv NG, H-228 and SJ-100 reflects the company’s focused thrust on regional connectivity, civil utility operations and future-ready aircraft programmes. “This is a significant step in reinforcing India’s journey towards self-reliance in civil aviation,” he said.
The HAL pavilion features scaled models of the Dhruv NG, H-228, H-228 Amphibian, SJ-100, Light Utility Helicopter (Civil), Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and a range of aviation accessories designed to meet the evolving needs of civil operators.
A major attraction at the stall is the static display of the Dhruv NG, H-228, SJ-100 and the SJ-100 Aurus business jet. HAL is collaborating with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 aircraft in India, strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Customer demonstration flights of the Dhruv NG and H-228 are also being conducted to showcase their performance, safety and operational versatility.
Digital product kiosks have been set up to offer detailed insights into aviation components, accessories and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities. HAL is also expected to sign several memoranda of understanding with industry partners during the show.
HAL’s participation at Wings India 2026 reaffirms its role as a key stakeholder in India’s aviation ecosystem, supporting the UDAN scheme for regional connectivity and the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ policy. The company has invited industry professionals, OEMs and operators to visit its pavilion and explore collaboration opportunities.
In addition to indigenous civil platforms, HAL is displaying the SJ-100 regional aircraft. The company has signed an MoU with UAC to explore manufacturing the 100-seater civil commuter aircraft in India, aimed at meeting both regional and national connectivity requirements.
“Our goal is to make HAL a trusted, competitive and globally credible civil MRO hub—starting with India and expanding across the region,” Dr Sunil said, adding that HAL’s vendor ecosystem, especially MSMEs, will play a critical role in employment generation, skill development and export competitiveness.
