Keeping in mind the strong market prospects of the aircraft, on March 6, 2008, RUAG had signed a long-term agreement with HAL for the manufacture and supply of the main structural parts of Dornier 228-212.

A light transport aircraft, Dornier 228-212 is versatile in its functioning and can operate at low costs.

The aircraft is commonly used for aircrew training, maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and air taxi. Owing to its qualities, it is being used by the regional air service, Army, Air Force, Navy and corporate houses.

The first set of structural parts of the aircraft, comprising 20 components, was handed over to Wolfgang Neumann, Managing Director of RUAG Aerospace Services.

Though March 2009 was set as the deadline for the completion of the first phase of project, the HAL employees in Kanpur were successful in manufacturing the set of the components within 11 months.

The TAD will also supply RUAG its final components for the aircraft at its facility in Oberpfaffenhofen.

Speaking on the occasion, Neumann said: “Dornier 228-212 NG is an upgraded version of Dornier 228-212 Aircraft. Considering the global demand for this class of aircraft, the RUAG management has taken a decision to re-launch production for Dornier 228.”

Appreciating the efforts of Kanpur staff, HAL Chairman Ashok K Baweja said: “The project was well executed and the coordination and dedication of staff members ensured it was completed well before time.”

Later, speaking to mediapersons, Baweja said: “We have several orders for the Dornier aircraft and are constantly working to upgrade the technology used in the aircraft.”

He added that efforts are underway to upgrade the technology used in Dhruv, the multi-role helicopter developed and manufactured by HAL. “We have around 250 orders for Dhruv from the Home Ministry, the Air Force and the Army,” he said.