The first-ever "Made in India" civil dornier aircraft took flight today, providing aviation connection to Arunachal Pradesh's remote regions.
Alliance Air flew the first Dornier 228 passenger plane built in India, which was inaugurated by Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The Dornier 228 is a 17-seater non-pressurized aircraft with an AC cabin that can fly at any time of day or night. The light transport aircraft will improve regional connections in the northeastern United States.
"As a part of this scheme, two important developments will take place on 12th April 2022 -First flight of Made in India HAL Dornier Do-228 from Dibrugarh in Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. Alliance Air will be India's first commercial airline to fly Indian made aircraft for civil operations. There will also be the inauguration of First FTO (Flying Training Organization) for North Eastern Region at Lilabari, Assam," the release stated.
In February, the government-run Alliance Air entered a leasing deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to lease two 17-seater Dornier 228 aircraft. On April 7, the airline acquired its first Dornier 228 plane.
On the occasion of the Dornier 228's first flight and the launch of the flying training organisation, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present.
