Looking towards the future, Neumann sees India as a vital center of the supply chain and remains committed to “promoting our commitment in its aerospace ecosystem.” | Photo credit: karthikeyan g
India has become a key growth market, as well as a global supply chain in the aerospace sector, said Nico Neumann, Co-Co-Co-E or Deutsche Aircraft.
Talking with Business lineNeumann said that the regional aircraft manufacturer based in Germany considers that India plays a crucial role in the manufacturing footprint of ‘D328eco’ aircraft.
“We have partnered with Dynamatic Technologies, which manufactures rear fuselage in a solid collaboration with Ti Major Cyient, which provides design engineering support,” Neumann said.
“This collaboration is not only a strategic step for Deutsche Aircraft, but a growing aerospace manufacturing capabilities of India. Having key private actors that contribute to the production of a critical primary structure of a regional plane is the first time for the country.”
Consequently, Cyient design support includes experience in advanced technical documentation, AI -promoted solutions, aircraft systems, structural design and manufacturing. In addition, Cyient DLM contributes to the design and manufacture of the ‘cabin management system’, improving both the experience of passengers and operational efficiency.
Looking towards the future, Neumann sees India as a vital center of the supply chain and remains committed to “promoting our commitment in its aerospace ecosystem.”
On the prospects for the company’s regional aircraft in India, he said that the success of the UDAN scheme depends on having the right plane for regional operations.
“The 40-seat D328 is specifically designed for regional connectivity … Based on the Dornier 328 legacy, the D328ECO is a next-generation turborop designed for the various Landsalcape Operational operations of India, from the North-Aassss to the LEPSLANDLLLLLLEnderl Icenderla brings air trips to the torn regions,” he said.
“The ability of the plane to serve remote regions such as northeast, Lakshadweep and Kerala’s unattended airports have generated a great interest of established and emerging aircraft carriers.”
The regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN, was launched in 2016 for a period or 10 years. In the 2025-26 Union Budget, the Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, proposes to launch a modified version of the scheme. Notably, Business line He was the first to inform that the Minister of Finance is consulting proposing the new iteration of the scheme.
From now on, the model promoted by the first UDAN scheme allows airlines to evaluate the demand for specific routes and send proposals that rotate the bidding rounds. The scheme encourages the creation of new airports, as well as the renewal and expansion of existing facilities.
In addition, airlines are supported to connect neglected regions offering them financing of the viability gap (VGF) and several concessions proven by airport operators and central and state governments.
According to Neumann, the Udan scheme has transformed the landscape of regional aviation of India.
“We see India as a vital growth market in the region, with the UDAN scheme that serves as a catalyst for this development. As the demand for regional airplanes increases, we anticipate significant opportunities for the expansion of the fleet in India,” he said.
“We are committed to playing an important role in the future of regional aviation and improving connectivity through the country.”
In addition, Neumann said that the aircraft manufacturer, in active discussions with several new airlines found in the final stages of incorporation in India.
“With strong economic growth and government support, India presents one of the most promising markets for regional aviation, and we are positioning ourselves accordingly,” he said.
Posted on April 17, 2025
