‘Hindustan 228’-19-seater aircraft introduced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Why in news?

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company, introduced a 19-seater aircraft ‘Hindustan 228’ in a first of its kind attempt to develop small civil transport aircraft under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) Scheme.
• The Hindustan 228 aircraft can be operated even in semi-prepared and unpaved airstrips.
• Also the multi-utility aircraft can be used as an ambulance, cargo, and parajam or paradrop etc.
• The design of Hindustan 228 is based on the Germany based Dornier GmbH Aircraft. In 1983, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) acquired a production licence for the Domier 228 and manufactured the aircraft for the Asian market.
• Dornier 228 is a twin-engine general-purpose aircraft, capable of transporting up to 19 passengers or various cargoes.

About UDE DESH KA AAM NAAGRIK (UDAN) scheme

• The Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme was launched as a Regional Connectivity Scheme(RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016. in is a regional airport development programme of upgrading underserved air routes. Objectives: Facilitate regional air connectivity by making it affordable through
• Concessions by Central Government, State Governments and airport operators
• Financial (Viability Gap Funding or VGF) support
• To provide connectivity to un-served and under-served regions through revival of existing air strips and airports.
• The Airports Authority of India (AM) is designated as the implementing agency.
• lt is a key component of National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016.