Bengaluru, February 27, 2023:  A new variant of HAL aircraft ‘Hindustan 228-201 LW’ has been approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), HAL statement announced here today.

This variant has maximum take-off weight of 5695 kgs with 19 passenger capability, statement said. With this modification, the aircraft would fall in the Sub 5700 kg aircraft category. This variant provides several operational benefits for operators such as reduced pilot qualification requirement enabling pilots with Commercial Pilot License to fly the aircraft, enhanced availability of pilot pool for the aircraft and reduced operational cost. In addition, the new variant will result in reduced training requirement for flying and ground crew including aircraft maintenance engineers, HAL said.

HAL also has approval for 6200 Kgs AUW with 19 passenger capability.