Air India (AI, Delhi International) is studying the possibility of acquiring at least ten passenger versions of the Do228 which is being modified by India's Hindustan Aeronautics (Bengaluru HAL), Business Line reports.

The nineteen-seat aircraft, which is expected to be operational by June 2017, would be used by Air India to introduce flights to smaller cities across the country under the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) program.

The passenger version of the Do228 is yet to be certified by the the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The turboprop will allow for short take-offs and landings, making it ideal for India's smaller airports, which are being targeted by the RCS.

The policy, which is to be finalized by the end of the month and implemented from January 2017, should stimulate regional air connectivity by offering subsidies for unserved or underserved routes while capping air fares based on distance.