Auto components manufacturer, Hero Motors, has put its light small aircraft (LSA)-manufacturing plan on backburner. The project was scheduled to come up in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) by September this year. A company official requesting not to be named told Financial Chronicle on Monday.

The Rs 350 crore company was supposed to manufacture 2-4-seater aircraft for both domestic as well as export. "The board of directors of the company has decided to shelve the aircraft project, as the demand for such aircraft has come down drastically," the official said.

Hero Aviation Private Limited was formed in September 2008 (Hero Motors 74 per cent share and rest the German company) with objectives to manufacture two/ four seat aircraft with design technologies and manufacturing alliance with a German LSA manufacturer, distribution of single/ multi piston-engine aircraft and light jets.

Also, development and supply of metallic and composite parts of aircraft and engines, maintenance, repair and overhaul services for entire general aviation industry and training academy for aircraft engineers, technicians and pilots. However, when asked, managing director, Hero Motors, Pankaj Munjal declined to comment.