Alliance Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India has signed an Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on February 5, 2021 at AERO INDIA 2021 for operating civil Dornier – 228.
The MOU was signed in presence of Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh along with the top brass of the defence forces & defence organisations. Alliance Air has inducted two Dornier 228 turboprops manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to its fleet.
On the first day after taking over as CEO, Harpreet A De Singh, the first female CEO of the carrier termed induction of made in India Dornier aircraft as historic. She also stressed that the airline besides focusing on the business goals will also emphasize on goals of corporate social responsibility and serving the nation.
Singh said “I am excited to say that in line with our honourable Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Alliance Air will be the first airline in the country to fly HAL’s Made in India aircraft , Dornier 228. I look forward to leading Alliance Air with the vision of our PM and MOCA and serve the nation, make it Atmanirbhar, and operate Made in India aircraft.”
Alliance Air has been a forerunner in UDAN ( Ude Desh ka Aam nagrik), Regional Connectivity Scheme of Government of India. The induction of Dornier aircraft is expected to bring convergence with the scheme and will ensure the much needed air connectivity to the hinterland areas like North Eastern region of the country. Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) is steering the entire efforts to complete the required activities as per the timeline.
Present at the occasion, Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, MOCA complimented the efforts and initiative of Alliance Air for taking a major step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and enhancing connectivity to remote areas of the country.
The 19 seater non-pressurised Dornier 228 has a lavatory with an air-conditioned cabin capable of day & night operations. The light transport aircraft will facilitate regional connectivity and cater to solve the challenges of connecting hinterland areas of the country. The commercial passenger operations are expected to commence in Arunachal Pradesh by March 2021.
Up till now Alliance Air has a fleet of 18 ATR 72 600, the Dornier aircrafts will expand the fleet and help in achieving Alliance Air’s vision of becoming the number one regional carrier in the country.