Dholera in Gujarat has been selected as the site for manufacturing India’s first indigenous 100-seater aircraft through a joint venture between Adani Defence & Aerospace and Embraer. The project will strengthen the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) as a major aerospace hub and boost India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and UDAN initiatives.
Dholera to Manufacture India’s First 100-Seater Aircraft: Adani-Embraer JV to Boost Gujarat’s Aerospace Hub
Dholera, Gujarat: In a major boost to India’s aviation and defence manufacturing sector, the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) has been finalised as the site for manufacturing India’s first indigenous 100-seater aircraft. The project, expected to be officially announced soon, marks a historic milestone under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
The aircraft will be manufactured through a joint venture between Adani Defence & Aerospace and global aerospace major Embraer, positioning Dholera as a rapidly emerging aerospace manufacturing hub in India.
Why Dholera Was Chosen for India’s 100-Seater Aircraft Project
The selection of Dholera in Gujarat is being seen as a strategic move due to its world-class infrastructure and strong industrial ecosystem. The Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) is being developed as one of India’s most advanced smart industrial cities.
Key infrastructure developments in Dholera include:
- Upcoming international airport
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility
- Pilot training school
- Greenfield port
- Smart urban township
- Strong rail and road connectivity
- Robust and sustainable energy infrastructure
- These developments give Dholera a competitive edge in becoming India’s leading aerospace manufacturing destination.
Adani-Embraer Partnership to Strengthen India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) Programme
The Adani Defence and Embraer joint venture is expected to significantly contribute to India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme. The 100-seater aircraft will support the government’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which aims to improve air connectivity across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
As regional air travel demand rises in India, the need for a domestically manufactured regional aircraft has become increasingly important. The Dholera aircraft manufacturing facility is expected to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s aviation self-reliance.
Manufacturing activities are likely to commence within the next four to five years, following land acquisition and regulatory approvals.
Economic Impact of the Dholera Aircraft Manufacturing Facility
The establishment of India’s first 100-seater aircraft manufacturing unit in Dholera is expected to generate:
Large-scale employment opportunities
Growth for MSMEs and ancillary industries
Increased foreign investment in Gujarat
Strengthening of India’s aerospace supply chain
Industry experts believe the project will transform Dholera into India’s aerospace capital, similar to global aviation manufacturing hubs.
Gujarat’s Growing Aerospace Ecosystem
Gujarat has been rapidly expanding its presence in the aerospace and defence sector. Recently, Airbus inaugurated a Centre of Excellence in Vadodara focusing on sustainable aviation research and innovation.
With the addition of the Dholera aircraft manufacturing project, Gujarat is set to play a crucial role in India’s long-term aviation growth strategy.
Dholera: The Future of Indian Aviation Manufacturing
The decision to manufacture India’s first indigenous 100-seater aircraft in Dholera signals a new era for the country’s aerospace ambitions. Backed by strong infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and government support, Dholera is poised to become a global aviation manufacturing hub.
As India strengthens its position in the global aerospace industry, Dholera stands at the forefront of this transformation.
