India’s ‘Candy Man’ to Make Microlight Aircraft in Gujarat’s Surendranagar

RAJKOT: Aircraft manufacturing is all set to take wings in Gujarat. Dhanji Patel (Makson), promoter of Makson Group and known as India’s ‘candy man’, has finalized plans to venture into making microlight aircraft near his home town Surendranagar.

The businessman-turnedpolitician, who makes confectioneries for several top global chocolate brands, has recently tied up with companies in Serbia for technical support to make two-seater and four-seater aircraft along with air ambulances. Patel was elected as BJP MLA from Wadhwan constituency in 2017 election.

Confirming his plan, Patel told TOI, “Component manufacturers in Serbia have agreed to lend us technical support. We are confident of getting statutory permissions to set up the unit soon.”
While he declined to reveal the quantum of investment, Patel said that the engines and blades for the aircraft will be imported while all other parts will be sourced locally. “We are sending a team to Serbia to get trained in manufacturing. The aircraft will be assembled in the Surendranagar unit,” he added.

Asked why he is venturing into aviation sector, Patel said that it was his dream for the past 25 years to make aircraft in his home state.

“This aircraft don’t need runway to take-off or landing but only a simple airstrip which can be made in farms also. But it requires a policy decision. If 3-4 airstrips are made near Ahmedabad, reaching here can be made very fast. Such aircraft are very common in foreign countries,” he added.
Initially, Patel plans to manufacture 25 such aircraft in the first year. The cost of one such aircraft is around Rs 70 lakh, according to him.
Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body for civil aviation in India, has framed guidelines for microlight aircraft.
Patel company has been engaged in contract manufacturing of candies and chocolates for an array of national and international brands such as Mondelez, Nestle, Parle, Unilever among others.
Gujarat has been aggressively pushing for developing an aerospace and aviation industry in Gujarat. The state government is also exploring the viability of setting up a dedicated special economic zone (SEZ) for the aviation sector.

Source: TOI

Image Courtesy: Times of India