SuperJet 100 (SJ100) aircraft

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has entered into an agreement with Russia’s Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) for the production of the SuperJet 100 (SJ100) aircraft.

The announcement coincided with the four-day civil aviation show at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, where the SJ-100 regional jet emerged as a major attraction.

About the Aircraft:

• 100-seat, twin-engine regional jet
• Designed for short-haul operations
• Optimised for efficiency on high-frequency, short-distance routes

Strategic Significance for HAL:

• Marks HAL’s serious entry into commercial aircraft manufacturing, beyond its traditional defence and aerospace focus.
• Signals India’s intent to build domestic capability in regional civil aviation.

Relevance for Indian Aviation:

• Aircraft like the SJ-100 are well-suited for connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities, supporting the UDAN and regional connectivity objectives.
• Can help address the growing demand for regional air travel with cost-effective, medium-capacity jets.