Know Your City: Growth of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is synonymous with growth of Bengaluru

Having started its journey in Bengaluru, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is not only synonymous with India’s giant leap in the aeronautical industry but also with the Karnataka capital.

With the aim of manufacturing aircraft in India, Hindustan Aircraft Limited was established on December 23, 1940, in Bengaluru by Seth Walchand Hirachand with financial support provided by the then Government of Mysore. Air Marshal Sir John Higgins became the resident director and the first aircraft, Harlow PC-5, was assembled under American licence and flown in August 1941. A year after, the Indian Government became one third shareholder of the company and took over its management in 1942. Two of its six directors were nominated by the Mysore government.