Archive · 6 Oct 2026
India Targets Indigenous Civilian Aircraft Within Two Years
India’s aviation minister says the country could build its first civilian airplane within two years through a joint venture.
He did not share details about the venture.
Indian airlines have ordered many planes, and more airports are planned.
The government also wants to explore making jet engines in India, though that would take time.
Naidu says better materials and skilled workers will be important.
He also says India could export sustainable aviation fuel and work on a carbon-credit system.
Meanwhile, higher jet-fuel prices are putting pressure on airlines.
IndiGo is raising fuel surcharges, and the government is talking with airlines and oil companies about fuel costs.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said India could develop its first Made-in-India civilian aircraft within two years through a joint venture.
Indian airlines have more than 1,600 aircraft on order, valued at about $100 billion, and over 100 new airports are expected in the next decade.
Naidu said the government would explore domestic jet-engine manufacturing, while stressing the need for quality materials and skilled workers.
Boeing and Airbus source about $4 billion in components and services from India, a figure projected to reach $10 billion by the decade’s end.
As West Asia-related fuel-price pressures persist, IndiGo announced higher fuel surcharges effective October 6; Naidu said the government was discussing ATF prices with airlines and oil companies.
- Who
- Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, Indian airlines, and IndiGo.
- What
- Naidu outlined plans for a possible indigenous civilian aircraft within two years and discussed aviation manufacturing, sustainability, and rising jet-fuel costs; IndiGo announced higher fuel surcharges.
- When
- Naidu made the remarks on Tuesday; IndiGo’s revised surcharges take effect October 6.
- Where
- India; Naidu spoke at an Indian Foundation for Quality Management symposium in New Delhi.
- Why
- The government aims to develop aviation manufacturing and respond to pressure on airlines from volatile Aviation Turbine Fuel prices.
- Aircraft target
- First Made-in-India civilian aircraft potentially within two years, through a joint venture.
- Aircraft orders
- More than 1,600 aircraft on order for Indian airlines, estimated at about $100 billion.
- Airport plans
- More than 100 new airports are expected over the next 10 years.
- Current aviation capacity
- India has 165 airports, and domestic airlines operate around 850 aircraft.
- Manufacturing sourcing
- Boeing and Airbus source about $4 billion in components and services from India; the figure is projected to reach $10 billion by the end of the decade.
- IndiGo surcharge
- The increase ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 350 for domestic flights, depending on distance; revised charges take effect October 6.
- Fuel-cost pressure
- Aviation Turbine Fuel accounts for around 40% of an airline’s operating costs.
- Sustainability
- Naidu said India could become an exporter of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and that the government would work on a carbon-credit mechanism.
