UK interested in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited programmes

BANGALORE: Carole Sweeney, director of UK trade & investment (UKTI) has said that most of the industries in the United Kingdom would be interested to partner in the regional civil aircraft programmes with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Sweeney gave this assurance to a delegation of HAL at a business meeting at on-going Farnborough International Air Show in London."UK industries would do their best in their known areas of expertise and skills if given an opportunity and they will play a critical role in the success of the program," she added.
Dr RK Tyagi, chairman, HAL, chairman, said soon RFP would be issued for the engine of the aircraft as 11 bidders have already responded to the recent RFI issued for the 70-90 seater civil aircraft engine. The aircraft would be manufactured in India with an expected roll-out by 2022. The UK industries will have their opportunities, he added.
T Suvarna Raju, director, D&D of HAL, said "In the initial period we expect around 400 aircraft to be produced. This is conservative estimate and the potential is much more considering that India has 450 airstrips and more cities would be linked with air travel in future".