Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is beginning its push into civil aviation, with plans to start commercial manufacturing of the SuperJet 100 (SJ-100) regional aircraft within the next three years. This comes at a crucial tiem when India looks to ease aircraft supply constraints and deepen domestic aerospace capabilities.
Speaking at the Wings India 2026, DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, said the SJ-100 programme could help Indian airlines navigate global supply chain bottlenecks that have delayed aircraft deliveries from major manufacturers.
HAL formally showcased the SJ-100 at Wings India 2026, marking a shift in the public-run company’s diversification strategy from a predominantly defence-focused portfolio toward civil aviation.
Civil Aviation Push Takes Shape
Sunil said HAL is targeting 10% of its revenues from its civil portfolio over the next decade, signalling a long-term commitment rather than a tactical foray. Once manufacturing begins, HAL plans to lease up to 10 SJ-100 aircraft to domestic carriers, creating an initial foothold in India’s regional airline market.
HAL estimates the potential domestic demand at around 200 SJ-100 aircraft, particularly as airlines expand connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities under India’s regional aviation push.
The twin-engine SJ-100, developed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, is designed for sectors of up to 3,000 km, aligning closely with India’s short- and medium-haul route structure. With a cruising speed of Mach 0.81 and seating capacity of up to 100 passengers, the aircraft is positioned as a regional one.
HAL’s manufacturing rights stem from a memorandum of understanding signed with United Aircraft Corporation in October 2025. India has not run a full-fledged commercial aircraft production line since HAL’s Avro HS-748 programme ended in 1988, making the SJ-100 a strategic inflection point.
Variants of the ALH Dhruv helicopter have faced grounding and safety reviews since 2025. Still, HAL continues to advance deliveries, with Sunil confirming plans to supply 10 Dhruv helicopters to Pawan Hans in 2026–27.
Shares of HAL rose over 6% on the bullish management commentary, to trade at around Rs 4,614 apiece.
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