Aero India 2011 News

Bangalore: Travelling in your own private aircraft is now within reach with Mahindra Aerospace Private Limited’s (MAPL) launching its GA8-TC Airvan.
The domestic aerospace company has started sale of this 5-seater turbo-charged aircraft at $6,50,000 (approximately Rs2.92 crore).
“It will cost you only 30%-40% more than travelling in a high-end AC car, and will cut down your travelling time significantly,” says Hemant Luthra, president, systech sector, Mahindra and Mahindra.
The basic version of the Airvan has got all the airworthiness certification in India.
Luthra said the company, which has begun manufacturing civil aircraft in Australia, will start its India operations in the next two years.
“We will set up our aircraft factory in India by 2014 after which our aircraft will be made here. It is a two-step process. We have bought the land where we will start making the aircraft components. Once that has begun, we can start getting certifications – We’re building planes with the highest standard of FAR23 safety,” he said.
Since MAPL has already got certifications for its aircraft in Australia, it will make it easier for it to get the green signal in India.
11/02/11 Supriya Ghorpade/Daily News & Analysis