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India is entering a new phase of civil aviation manufacturing with plans to produce its first 100 seater passenger aircraft in Gujarat. The project is taking shape in Dholera Special Investment Region, where the government is finalizing a large land parcel for the facility. An official announcement is expected soon, which would formally mark India’s entry into indigenous regional aircraft manufacturing.
This development represents a major shift in India’s aviation strategy, moving from aircraft operations toward domestic production and long term capability building.
Industry Partnership and Project Timeline
The aircraft MRO hub is a joint venture between Adani Defence and Aerospace and global aircraft manufacturer Embraer. Such collaboration combines international technical expertise with domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Following the formal announcement, processes related to land allocation, regulatory approvals, and initial development are expected to begin. Manufacturing operations are likely to commence over the next four to five years, reflecting the scale and complexity of aircraft production.
Why Dholera Is Emerging as the Preferred Location?
The selection of Dholera SIR is closely linked to its integrated planning model and large scale infrastructure readiness. The region is being developed as a smart industrial and urban zone with strong connectivity and utility support.
Key infrastructure planned or under development in Dholera includes:
- Dedicated aviation support facilities such as MRO and training institutes
- Expressway connectivity under the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
- Railway connectivity under the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)
- Reliable power and energy infrastructure
- Smart city residential and industrial zones
These factors make Dholera suitable for complex manufacturing activities such as aircraft assembly, which require long term planning and uninterrupted operations.
Alignment with National Aviation and Manufacturing Goals
The proposed aircraft manufacturing project aligns with national initiatives focused on self reliance and regional connectivity. The UDAN scheme has expanded air travel to smaller cities, increasing the demand for regional aircraft suited for short and medium routes.
By developing an indigenous manufacturing base, India aims to reduce dependence on imported aircraft and strengthen its Regional Transport Aircraft programme. The project also supports the broader objective of building a domestic aerospace ecosystem covering design, assembly, testing, and maintenance.
Economic and Industrial Impact on Gujarat
For Gujarat, this project is seen as a major step forward in establishing the state as a leading aerospace hub. The manufacturing facility is expected to generate skilled employment and stimulate growth across supporting industries.
Small and medium enterprises are likely to benefit through supply chain participation, component manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance services. The project also complements recent aerospace developments in the state, including research and innovation initiatives focused on sustainable aviation.
Conclusion
The plan to manufacture India’s first 100 seater aircraft in Gujarat highlights the growing confidence in planned industrial regions like Dholera SIR. With strong infrastructure, policy support, and industry collaboration, the project has the potential to reshape India’s regional aviation landscape while contributing to long term industrial growth.
