Will the New Safran MRO Facility Elevate India as a Global Aviation Hub?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Safran MRO facility in Hyderabad.
- The facility will enhance India's role as a global MRO hub.
- It is expected to create over 1,000 skilled jobs.
- The centre will service LEAP engines for major aircraft.
- Recent policies have facilitated the establishment of MRO facilities in India.
Hyderabad, Nov 26 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility in Hyderabad on Wednesday, emphasizing that this new centre will greatly enhance India’s status as a worldwide centre for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
Participating via video conferencing, PM Modi described the initiative as a significant move towards achieving self-reliance in the aviation industry.
“This facility will fortify India’s standing as a global MRO hub,” the Prime Minister remarked.
The SAESI facility is specifically designed for MRO services for LEAP engines, which are utilized in well-known aircraft like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.
This event marks the first instance of a global aircraft engine manufacturer establishing an MRO operation in India, representing a key achievement for the nation's aviation sector.
Spanning 45,000 square metres within the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park-SEZ, this facility was developed with an initial investment of approximately Rs 1,300 crore.
Once fully operational by 2035, it is projected to service around 300 LEAP engines annually and provide employment for over 1,000 skilled Indian engineers and technicians.
The facility is outfitted with cutting-edge technology to deliver top-tier maintenance and repair services.
Officials indicated that this new MRO centre will aid in diminishing India's reliance on foreign facilities, curtail foreign exchange expenditures, and reinforce the domestic aviation supply chain.
The initiative is anticipated to create high-value job opportunities and bolster India’s aspirations to become a significant global aviation centre.
The government is proactively working to construct a robust MRO ecosystem to keep up with the rapid expansion of the aviation sector.
Recent policy initiatives—including GST reforms, the MRO Guidelines-2021, and the National Civil Aviation Policy-2016—have streamlined taxation and reduced royalty burdens, facilitating the establishment of MRO facilities in India.