MRO & Manufacturing
India’s HAL and Russia UAC Collaborate to Produce SJ-100 Jets
HAL partners with Russia’s UAC to manufacture SJ-100 passenger jets in India, boosting regional connectivity and self-reliance in aviation.
In a landmark move for India’s aviation industry, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 civil passenger jet in India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Moscow on October 27, 2025, heralding a new era of self-reliance in the nation’s burgeoning civil aviation sector. This collaboration is not just a business agreement; it represents the revival of a sovereign capability, as it will be the first time a complete passenger Commercial-Aircraft is produced domestically since the Avro HS-748 project concluded in 1988.
The agreement, signed by Prabhat Ranjan of HAL and Oleg Bogomolov of UAC, grants HAL the rights to manufacture the SJ-100 for domestic customers. This strategic partnership is poised to be a significant catalyst for the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. It aims to reduce the country’s heavy dependence on foreign Manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing, especially as the Indian aviation market continues its rapid expansion. The project is expected to create a robust local aerospace ecosystem, generate skilled employment, and strengthen the private sector’s role in aviation manufacturing.
With India’s domestic air travel market projected to grow substantially, the demand for regional aircraft is soaring. HAL estimates a need for over 200 regional jets in the next decade, with an additional 350 aircraft required to connect nearby international tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean region. The local production of the SJ-100 is strategically positioned to meet this demand, particularly enhancing regional connectivity under the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme.
The HAL-UAC agreement marks a historic turning point, effectively ending a 37-year hiatus in India’s production of complete passenger aircraft. The last such endeavor was the manufacture of the Avro HS-748, a project that began in 1961 and concluded in 1988. Since then, while India’s aerospace capabilities in the defense sector have grown immensely, often in collaboration with Russian entities like on the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, the civil aviation manufacturing space has remained dormant. This new venture breathes life back into a critical industrial sector.
This revival is a direct reflection of a long-standing and trusted relationship between Indian and Russian aerospace firms. HAL described the collaboration as a result of “mutual trust between the organisations,” built over decades of defense partnerships. The decision to produce the SJ-100 is seen as a natural progression of this strategic alliance, extending proven cooperation from the military domain into the civilian sphere. The project is not just about assembling parts; it involves a significant transfer of technology and skill development, laying the groundwork for future indigenous aircraft programs.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the MoU as a “landmark step” and a “game changer for short-haul connectivity under the UDAN Scheme,” emphasizing its role in achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in civil aviation.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100) is a twin-engine, narrow-body regional jet designed for short-haul flights. With a typical seating capacity of 87 to 103 passengers and a range of approximately 3,530 km to 4,500 km, it is well-suited for connecting smaller cities and towns across India. The aircraft is known for its operational efficiency and its ability to perform in a wide range of climates, a crucial feature for the diverse Indian subcontinent. Over 200 SJ-100 aircraft have already been produced and are operated by more than 16 commercial airlines worldwide, proving its reliability in the market.
The aircraft’s specifications make it a perfect vehicle for the UDAN scheme. Launched in 2016, UDAN aims to make air travel affordable and accessible by developing regional airports and subsidizing routes to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The SJ-100 can efficiently service these short-haul routes, which are often not viable for larger aircraft from Boeing or Airbus. By providing a steady supply of domestically produced regional jets, HAL can help Airlines expand their networks into underserved areas, boosting local economies and making air travel a reality for millions more citizens.
It is also noteworthy that the SJ-100 has adapted to geopolitical shifts. While original models used French-Russian engines, newer versions are being fitted with Russian-made Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines due to international sanctions. This move towards fully indigenous components on the Russian side mirrors India’s own goals of self-reliance, making the partnership philosophically aligned. This agreement materializes within a complex geopolitical context. Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is currently under sanctions from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. However, India does not recognize unilateral sanctions and has consistently maintained its strategic partnerships. This collaboration underscores India’s commitment to a multi-aligned foreign policy, balancing its relationships with Western partners and long-standing allies like Russia.
The timing of the MoU, signed just ahead of an expected visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the India-Russia Annual Summit, further solidifies the deep strategic and economic ties between the two nations. The deal is a clear signal that cooperation will continue in critical sectors, irrespective of external pressures. For India, the primary driver is the national interest of building domestic industrial capacity and enhancing its strategic autonomy.
The successful implementation of this project could position India as a new player in the global regional jet market. While challenging the long-standing dominance of giants like Airbus and Boeing is a distant goal, mastering the production of a 100-seater aircraft is a formidable first step. It will create a ripple effect across the economy, stimulating the growth of a local supply chain for aircraft components and fostering innovation in the private sector.
Beyond the immediate goal of serving the domestic market, this venture opens up possibilities for exporting the India-made SJ-100 to neighboring countries, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. If HAL can achieve cost-effective and high-quality production, it could offer a competitive alternative for nations looking to expand their regional air connectivity. This project is more than just building an aircraft; it’s about building a self-reliant and globally competitive Indian aviation industry.
The Partnerships between HAL and UAC to produce the SJ-100 is a watershed moment for India. It represents a bold step towards realizing the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in a technologically intensive and strategically vital sector. By reviving its capability to manufacture complete passenger aircraft, India is not only aiming to meet its massive domestic demand but also laying the foundation for a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem that fosters innovation, creates high-skilled jobs, and boosts economic growth.
Looking ahead, the success of this venture will be a testament to India’s industrial prowess and its ability to navigate a complex global environment. It promises to transform regional connectivity, making air travel more accessible for the common citizen while simultaneously elevating India’s stature in the global aviation landscape. This is the beginning of a new chapter, one where India is not just a buyer but a builder of modern passenger aircraft.
Question: What is the SJ-100 aircraft? Question: Why is this HAL-UAC partnership significant for India? Question: How will this project benefit regional air travel in India? Sources: The Hindu
India Re-Enters Passenger Aircraft Manufacturing with HAL-UAC Pact for SJ-100 Jet
A Strategic Leap for Indian Manufacturing and Connectivity
Reviving a Long-Dormant Legacy
The SJ-100: An Ideal Fit for Regional India
Navigating Geopolitical Realities and Future Horizons
A Partnership in a Complex Global Landscape
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Indian Aviation
FAQ
Answer: The SJ-100, formerly known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100, is a twin-engine, narrow-body regional jet designed for short-haul routes. It typically seats between 87 and 103 passengers and has a range of up to 4,500 km.
Answer: It marks the first time in over three decades that a complete passenger aircraft will be manufactured in India, boosting the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. The last such project was the Avro HS-748, which ended in 1988.
Answer: The SJ-100 is considered a “game changer” for the government’s UDAN Scheme, which aims to enhance regional connectivity. Its size and efficiency are ideal for operating on routes connecting smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, making air travel more accessible and affordable across the country.
Photo Credit: Desi Talk’s Chicago
MRO & Manufacturing
Boeing and Union Pause Contract Talks for Wichita Spirit Employees
Boeing and SPEEA pause contract negotiations for 1,600 Wichita Spirit AeroSystems staff until January 2026 amid complex reintegration logistics.
Negotiations between The Boeing Company and the union representing approximately 1,600 white-collar workers at the newly re-acquired Spirit AeroSystems facility in Wichita have been halted until the new year. According to reporting by Reuters, labor officials confirmed on Wednesday that talks are paused until January 5, 2026.
The pause involves the Wichita Technical and Professional Unit (WTPU), represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA). These negotiations are critical as Boeing works to integrate the workforce following its official $8.3 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, which closed on December 8, 2025.
The decision to suspend talks comes just weeks before the current contract is set to expire on January 31, 2026. Reports indicate that Boeing requested the delay to manage the complex logistics of reintegrating Spirit’s operations into the wider Boeing enterprise. The company cited “complications related to the reunification” as the primary driver for the pause.
While SPEEA agreed to the schedule change, union leadership expressed significant dissatisfaction with the delay. SPEEA negotiator Wes Gardner voiced strong criticism regarding the company’s preparedness.
“I’m incredibly pissed off by this demonstrated lack of respect.”
, Wes Gardner, SPEEA Negotiator (via SPEEA/Reuters)
The union contends that Boeing had months to prepare for the Acquisitions and should have been ready to proceed with these critical discussions without interruption.
The backdrop of these negotiations is Boeing’s strategic move to re-acquire Spirit AeroSystems, a company it spun off in 2005. The acquisition is part of a broader effort by the planemaker to regain direct control over the quality of its fuselage production following a series of Manufacturing issues, including the January 2024 door plug incident.
The integration process brings approximately 15,000 former Spirit employees back under the Boeing umbrella. This massive logistical undertaking requires harmonizing different payroll systems, benefit structures, and union agreements. The WTPU represents non-engineering professionals, such as supply chain specialists, planners, and technical analysts, who are now seeking parity with their Boeing counterparts. The current friction contrasts with the recent success of the Wichita Engineering Unit (WEU), another group represented by SPEEA. In November 2025, the WEU ratified a four-year agreement that included a 23% wage increase, guaranteed bonuses, and improved retirement benefits. This deal serves as a significant benchmark for the WTPU, which is reportedly seeking similar gains, including:
The pause in negotiations highlights the friction inherent in reversing a two-decade-old corporate spinoff. While Boeing’s request for time to manage “reunification” logistics is operationally plausible, the timing creates a high-pressure scenario. With the contract expiration looming on January 31, the window for negotiation has narrowed significantly.
We observe that the union possesses considerable leverage. The successful ratification of the engineering contract sets a clear floor for the WTPU’s expectations. Furthermore, the narrative of “reunification” empowers the union to demand immediate parity with legacy Boeing employees. If a deal is not reached by the end of January, the resulting labor unrest could threaten the stability of 737 fuselage production just as Boeing attempts to stabilize its Supply-Chain.
Boeing and Union Pause Contract Talks for Former Spirit AeroSystems Staff
Negotiation Timeline and Union Frustration
Context: The “Reunification” of Spirit AeroSystems
Precedent Set by Engineering Unit
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Fernando Salazar
MRO & Manufacturing
Ethiopian Airlines Completes Africa’s First A350-900 Full Strip and Paint
Ethiopian Airlines completes Africa’s first full strip-and-paint program on Airbus A350-900, enhancing in-house MRO capabilities and regional aviation services.
This article is based on an official press release from Ethiopian Airlines.
Ethiopian Airlines has announced a significant advancement in its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, successfully completing a full strip-and-paint program for two of its Airbus A350-900 Commercial-Aircraft. According to the airline’s official statement, this operation marks the first time such a complex maintenance procedure has been performed on the A350-900 model within Africa.
The project was executed at Ethiopian MRO’s facility in Addis Ababa, which has been expanding its capacity to handle modern, composite-heavy wide-body aircraft. By bringing this capability in-house, the Airlines aims to reduce reliance on foreign maintenance providers and assert its position as a leading aviation service provider on the continent.
The completion of this program represents a technical breakthrough for the region. Historically, African carriers operating the Airbus A350, a next-generation aircraft constructed primarily of advanced materials, have had to send their fleets to Europe or the Middle East for full exterior repainting. Ethiopian Airlines stated that this achievement allows them to offer these specialized services not only for their own fleet but potentially for third-party customers as well.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, highlighted the strategic importance of this development in the company’s press release:
“The successful execution of our full strip-and-paint project on two of our A350-900 aircraft… marks a significant step forward in Ethiopian’s in-house widebody advanced composite structure paint capabilities. This project is yet another milestone which reflects Ethiopian’s ongoing commitment to investing in world-class MRO capabilities… enhancing our self-reliance, and elevating our global standing.”
This capability builds upon the MRO division’s previous experience with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, another aircraft that utilizes extensive composite materials, further solidifying the facility’s expertise in next-generation airframe maintenance.
While the press release focuses on the strategic achievement, it is important to understand the technical complexity involved in stripping and painting modern aircraft like the Airbus A350. Unlike older aluminum aircraft, which can be stripped using aggressive chemical solvents or mechanical sanding, the A350’s fuselage is made largely of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).
Standard paint removal methods pose a high risk to composites. Aggressive chemicals can damage the resin matrix that binds the carbon fibers, while improper sanding can cut into the fibers themselves or damage the delicate copper mesh embedded in the fuselage for lightning strike protection. Consequently, this process requires: By mastering these sensitive processes, Ethiopian MRO has demonstrated a level of technical maturity that rivals established MRO centers in Europe and Asia.
The ability to perform full strip-and-paint operations in Addis Ababa offers immediate economic benefits to the airline. In-house maintenance eliminates the costs associated with “ferry flights”, flying empty aircraft to foreign maintenance bases, and reduces the airline’s exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.
Furthermore, this capability enhances asset utilization. By integrating painting into scheduled heavy maintenance checks (such as C-checks), the airline can minimize the time an aircraft is out of service. This efficiency is critical for maintaining profitability in a competitive long-haul market.
From a regional perspective, this development places Ethiopian Airlines at a distinct advantage over competitors such as EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering and South African Airways Technical. While other regional players possess significant MRO infrastructure, Ethiopian’s public confirmation of a completed A350-900 full strip-and-paint program signals a lead in specific next-generation composite capabilities.
Ethiopian Airlines Completes Africa’s First A350-900 Full Strip and Paint
A Milestone for African Aviation MRO
Technical Complexity of Composite Painting
AirPro News Analysis
Strategic and Economic Implications
Sources
Photo Credit: Ethiopian Airlines
MRO & Manufacturing
Asian Aerospace Starts P243M Expansion in Clark Freeport Zone
Asian Aerospace Corporation begins a P243.2M expansion in Clark Freeport Zone focusing on MRO consolidation and aviation safety services.
This article summarizes reporting by the Daily Tribune, Manila Standard, and PortCalls Asia.
Asian Aerospace Corporation (AAC), a prominent player in the Philippine aviation sector, has officially commenced a significant expansion of its operations within the Clark Freeport Zone. According to reporting by the Daily Tribune, the P243.2 million (approximately USD 4.2 million) project is currently “in full swing” following a lease agreement signed in mid-December 2025.
The expansion centers on the construction of a new 1,848-square-meter facility designed to consolidate the company’s MRO capabilities. As noted in coverage by PortCalls Asia, this development aligns with the Clark International Airport Corporation’s (CIAC) broader strategy to establish the region as a global civil aviation and logistics hub.
The new infrastructure will function as a multi-purpose “Aviation Safety Hub” and “Aircraft Factory Service Center.” According to details shared by the Manila Standard, the facility is designed to centralize maintenance operations for business jets and helicopters while providing specialized support for avionics and environmental control systems.
AAC has operated within Clark since 2002. This latest investment reinforces its long-standing presence in the zone. The company currently manages a fleet that includes Gulfstream and Pilatus aircraft, as well as MD Helicopters. The new facility will allow AAC to service these assets more efficiently while offering authorized service center capabilities for major global aircraft manufacturers.
Beyond commercial MRO services, the expansion supports vital national safety mandates. AAC CEO Peter Rodriguez emphasized the company’s role in maintaining navigation systems across the archipelago. According to the Daily Tribune, AAC is responsible for calibrating equipment at 87 airports throughout the Philippines.
“Asian Aerospace has been calibrating 87 airports across the Philippines for the past four administrations. Without calibration, aerodromes cannot operate safely.”
, Peter Rodriguez, CEO of Asian Aerospace Corp. (via Daily Tribune)
The project is expected to generate high-value employment opportunities in the region. SunStar reports that the facility will require a specialized workforce, including aviation engineers, safety personnel, and avionics technicians. This aligns with recent trends in the Clark Aviation Capital district, where investments have reportedly created hundreds of jobs in the logistics and aviation sectors. During the signing ceremony, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera highlighted the critical nature of the work AAC performs.
“Proper maintenance of aircraft components saves lives, and that is why Asian Aerospace is important not only to Clark, but to the Philippines and the world.”
, Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, President & CEO of CDC (via Manila Standard)
The expansion of Asian Aerospace Corporation highlights the growing maturity of the Clark Freeport Zone as a specialized aviation cluster. While the P243 million investment is modest compared to heavy infrastructure projects, its focus on technical MRO and calibration services fills a critical niche in the Philippine aviation ecosystem. By localizing high-level maintenance and calibration capabilities, the Philippines reduces reliance on foreign service providers for essential safety operations. This move also signals confidence in the CIAC’s “Aviation Capital” roadmap, suggesting that private sector players are seeing viable long-term returns in establishing permanent technical bases in Pampanga.
Sources: Daily Tribune, Manila Standard, PortCalls Asia, SunStar, Inquirer
Asian Aerospace Launches P243M Expansion in Clark Freeport Zone
Consolidating MRO and Factory Services
Critical Safety Infrastructure
Economic Impact and Workforce Development
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Clark Development Corporation
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