PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Global Aircraft Engine MRO Facility
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Safran’s groundbreaking aircraft engine maintenance facility in Hyderabad, marking India’s first global MRO operation by an engine manufacturer and positioning the country as a major aviation hub.
Key Takeaways
- First global engine OEM MRO facility in India
- Rs 1,300 crore investment creating 1,000+ skilled jobs
- Will service 300 LEAP engines annually by 2035
- Reduces 85% overseas MRO dependency
Strategic Importance
Prime Minister Modi, addressing the event virtually from New Delhi, emphasized that Safran’s new facility will establish India as a global MRO hub while creating new opportunities for Indian youth. “India’s aviation sector is set to take a new flight with this MRO facility,” he stated.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s rapid aviation growth, noting: “Today, India is among the world’s fastest-growing domestic aviation markets. Our domestic market is now the third-largest globally.”
“We consider those investing in India not just as investors, but as co-creators. We consider them stakeholders in the journey of a developed India,” PM Modi said.
Addressing Critical Needs
PM Modi explained the urgent need for domestic MRO capabilities: “Nearly 85 percent of our MRO work was being carried out overseas, which increased costs, caused delays, and kept aircraft grounded for long periods.”
Facility Specifications
The SAESI facility spans 45,000 sqm at GMR Aerospace Park in Hyderabad and represents Safran’s dedicated MRO operation for LEAP engines powering Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant milestone as the largest global aircraft engine MRO operation and the first by a global engine OEM in India.
Economic Impact
The MRO facility advances India’s goals by reducing foreign exchange outflows, creating high-value employment, and strengthening supply-chain resilience.
Policy Support
The Government of India has implemented key policy measures including GST reforms, MRO Guidelines 2021, and the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 to create a supportive ecosystem for MRO providers through rationalized tax structures and reduced royalty burdens.
