According to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) annual report for 2020-21, Mauritius under the Government of India Line of Credit will be procuring one 19-seater Hindustan-228 aircraft. Recently the aircraft successfully conducted ground run and low-speed taxi trials for ‘Type Certification’ by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
By acquiring the aircraft, Mauritius will become the first export customer of Hindustan-228.
Hindustan-228 is based on German Dornier 228 defence transport aircraft used by the defence forces in India but is integrated with a digital cockpit which will ensure more precise readings, accurate information, and ergonomic data displays with feedback loops and capability for self-check to alert pilot in emergencies. The aircraft also complies with airworthiness requirements prescribed by the US Federal Aviation Authority.
Mauritius will also be acquiring Do-228 Maritime aircraft from HAL. HAL also has offered Hindustan-228 to Nepal. HAL has produced a total of 125 Dornier 228 under license at Kanpur since 1983 for defence forces in India.
