India Aviation Takeoff Build SJ-100 Passenger Jet in Landmark Russia Partnership
HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) for the production of the SJ-100 regional passenger aircraft in India. This move positions India to manufacture a complete passenger jet domestically for the first time since the AVRO HS-748 project ended in 1988.
HAL SJ-100 Features
The SJ-100, formerly known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ-100), is a twin-engine, narrow-body regional jet designed for short-haul flights. The aircraft seats up to 103 passengers and has a range of 3,530 km. Over 200 units are already in global commercial service, operated by more than 16 airlines.
Capacity: Up to 103 passengers in a single-class configuration.
Range: Approximately 3,530 km (about 2,200 miles), suitable for regional routes.
Climatic adaptability: Operates efficiently in temperature extremes from -55°C to +45°C.
Competitive segment: Rivals models like Embraer E190 and Airbus A220.
Low operating costs and optimized for quick turnaround and short-haul operations.
The industry is dominated by Airbus and Boeing, who command decades of reputation and scale
Boeing crash occurred in India on June 12, 2025, crashed into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. Of the 242 people on board, 241 died, along with 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived. The accident is the deadliest aviation disaster in India
This tragedy has sparked debate over the safety of Boeing's Dreamliner jets and drawn global attention to aircraft maintenance and software
Global competitors like China (with the C919) and Russia face hurdles such as reliance on Western technology and sanctions that hinder scaling and exports
This partnership represents a key step in the Indian government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' & Make In India initiative, aimed at boosting indigenous manufacturing capability. The SJ-100 project is expected to:
Strengthen regional connectivity under India's UDAN Scheme, improving air travel links to Tier-II and Tier-III cities.
Promote the domestic aerospace manufacturing sector, creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Enable India to meet projected demand for over 200 regional jets and another 350 aircraft for Indian Ocean tourist routes over the next decade.
India’s aviation market is booming, with over 174 million passengers transported last year.
Indian airlines have placed orders for hundreds of new planes, reflecting one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally.
The SJ-100 project aims to bolster domestic manufacturing and design, build, and service aircraft at home.
The MoU grants HAL rights to manufacture the SJ-100 for Indian customers, but as of now, detailed timelines and final contractual agreements have not been disclosed. The project is hailed as a milestone for Indian aviation, both as a technological leap and for its anticipated economic impact. The aircraft will be the first complete passenger jet manufactured in India in three decades, potentially transforming the country's role in the civil aviation industry. The first India-built HAL SJ-100 passenger jet is expected to take to the skies by 2028.