New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given its nod to use the 19-seater Dornier 228 aircraft made by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for civilian flights.
Though the Dornier 228 is the first plane made in India for commercial flights, thus far, it was solely being used by defence forces. Recently, the DGCA has granted type certification to HAL-made Dornier 228 and it has also received the certificate of airworthiness. This enables HAL to market the aircraft to airlines in India and they can use the planes for regional flights under the ambitious UDAN scheme of the Modi government.
According to an official, airlines may receive some special incentives for using this plane on regional flights. Aside from selling the indigenously made Dornier 228 to domestic operators, HAL may also market the aircraft in neighbouring nations like Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for civil use.
Dornier 228 is a non-pressurised plane having a maximum cruise speed of 428 kmph and a range of 700 km. Moreover, this “highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft” is capable of night flying. HAL has already undertaken successful test flights of this plane at Kanpur airport this month.
Agencies
