Nashik: Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is exploring the possibility of manufacturing a 200-seater commercial passenger aircraft in the coming years and is planning to expand passenger aircraft overhaul operations at its Nashik facility, said Sanjay Chaudhari, General Manager, HAL Nashik division.Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day HAL-Vendor Development Meet 2026, organised jointly by HAL’s Nashik division and the Nashik Industries and Manufacturers Association (NIMA) on Friday, Chaudhari said the company was looking beyond its existing military aircraft programmes as part of its future growth strategy.“We are exploring the possibility of manufacturing a 200-seater passenger aircraft in the future. Efforts are also underway to enhance aircraft overhaul activities at the Nashik facility,” Chaudhari said.The vendor meet aims to increase the participation of local industries in HAL’s manufacturing ecosystem by connecting MSMEs, startups and manufacturers with the defence major.Chaudhari said HAL currently has 411 vendors from Maharashtra and other states associated with its various programmes. While 126 vendors from Nashik have registered with HAL, only 26 are actively supplying components and services.He urged more local MSMEs to join HAL’s supply chain, stating that increased industry participation would open up opportunities for component manufacturers and spare-part suppliers while strengthening the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.The two-day event provides a platform for direct interaction between HAL officials and local industries, with discussions focused on technical requirements, procurement procedures, outsourcing opportunities, indigenisation initiatives and vendor registration processes.Highlighting HAL Nashik division’s role in fighter aircraft manufacturing, including the Tejas programme, Chaudhari said strengthening the local supply chain would remain a key priority for the company.NIMA president Ashish Nahar said nearly 300 entrepreneurs registered for the vendor meet within a day, reflecting strong interest among local industries in defence manufacturing opportunities.He said Nashik had attracted industrial investments worth around Rs 35,000 crore over the past two years and added that greater collaboration with HAL could further accelerate the region’s industrial growth.During the meet, HAL officials showcased components and spare parts required by the company and made presentations on outsourcing opportunities, supply-chain requirements and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal to help local industries explore potential business opportunities.
