Pullinam Aerospace Technologies, a Thanjavur-based start-up, has signed a binding Letter of Intent with Coimbatore-based Skyworks Aviation International to supply 100 light aircraft, TOI reported.

The deal is valued between ₹175 crore and ₹200 crore, marking a significant milestone for the emerging aerospace manufacturer.

The agreement covers Pullinam’s PAT-LSA01, an indigenous two-seater Conventional Take-Off and Landing aircraft. The model is currently under development in both electric and internal-combustion engine variants, reflecting the company’s dual focus on sustainability and conventional aviation requirements.

The LOI was signed on Thursday at the National Aerospace and Aviation Start-up Conclave. The event was organised by the Institute of Aeronautics, Astronautics and Aviation and StartupTN at the Nehru Institute of Technology campus in Coimbatore.

The signing followed eight months of technical discussions and negotiations. Skyworks began talks in January after the aircraft was showcased at the Tamil Nadu Global Start-up Summit in October 2025.

Professor CS Karunakaran, founder and CEO of Pullinam Aerospace, stated that the binding LOI validates the company’s design and market readiness well ahead of its flight-test phase, which is scheduled over the next two years. This early validation is expected to accelerate confidence in the indigenous platform.

Pullinam has also secured a Letter of Intent from the Indian Army Aviation wing’s Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik. This indicates potential applications of the aircraft in pilot training, surveillance, and leisure flying, broadening its scope beyond commercial use.

The company plans to establish its aircraft manufacturing facility at Sengipatti village in Thanjavur district. It also intends to expand operations across Tamil Nadu, strengthening the state’s aerospace footprint. Karunakaran confirmed that the aircraft would be priced at ₹1.5 crore for the commercial sector and ₹1 crore for the defence sector, ensuring affordability across different segments.

He further highlighted that Tamil Nadu has 13 unused airstrips which could support the deployment of indigenous light aircraft for personal and commercial purposes. This infrastructure advantage could play a pivotal role in expanding regional aviation accessibility.

The deal strengthens Tamil Nadu’s push to develop an indigenous aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. It builds upon the state’s established base in automotive and precision engineering, positioning Tamil Nadu as a rising hub for aerospace innovation and production.

Agencies