NEW DELHI: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will soon have a maintenance repair overhaul (MRO) for the best-selling single aisle Airbus A320 family aircraft. The European airspace major has tied up with the PSU “to support (HAL‘s) entry into servicing of commercial aircraft.”
With orders for almost 1,000 planes worth $120 billion (book value) placed by Air India and IndiGo so far this year alone, the Modi government has made it clear to aircraft majors Airbus and Boeing and engine-makers that they need to step up sourcing from India, set up MROs here and eventually have a final assembly line in the country.
While the formerly state-owned Air India and erstwhile Indian Airlines could have offset requirements while placing aircraft orders, private airlines (including AI) can’t do so. But the government is ensuring that India benefits from the economic offshoots of the mega orders by desi carriers by increased supply chains and having MROs within the country. This strategy is paying off.
“Supporting the growth of an indigenous MRO industry is part of Airbus’ commitment to the holistic development of India’s aviation ecosystem. Through this partnership, Airbus will support HAL to tap into the growing demand for MRO services for the country’s expanding commercial fleet, especially the A320 family of aircraft that have democratised air travel in India,” Airbus said in a statement.
The A320 is the most used narrow body with Indian carriers. IndiGo is the world’s biggest customer of this type, with almost 1,000 still on order books and yet to be received by mid 2030s. Air India and Vistara are the other big customers.
“HAL has a vision to establish an integrated MRO hub in the country and provide airlines with an effective MRO solution. This step by HAL Nashik is also aligned to civil-military convergence and the Make in India mission of the Government of India,” said Saket Chaturvedi, CEO (MiG Compex), HAL.
“Airbus is committed to growing the aviation ecosystem in India, and a key element of this ecosystem is the development of a strong MRO infrastructure,” said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia adding: “An indigenous MRO infrastructure will not only help airlines streamline their aircraft operations, but also support the government’s aim of making India a global aviation hub. And HAL with its deep experience in the aerospace industry is well positioned to trigger the growth of this sector.”
Under the agreement, Airbus will provide the A320 family tool package and offer specialised consulting services to HAL to set up an MRO. Airbus will also offer HAL access to AirbusWorld, a digital platform that offers support, technical data and training solutions.
HAL’s Nashik division has capabilities in civil MRO, which include Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved three hangars and skilled manpower from their defence activities.
With orders for almost 1,000 planes worth $120 billion (book value) placed by Air India and IndiGo so far this year alone, the Modi government has made it clear to aircraft majors Airbus and Boeing and engine-makers that they need to step up sourcing from India, set up MROs here and eventually have a final assembly line in the country.
While the formerly state-owned Air India and erstwhile Indian Airlines could have offset requirements while placing aircraft orders, private airlines (including AI) can’t do so. But the government is ensuring that India benefits from the economic offshoots of the mega orders by desi carriers by increased supply chains and having MROs within the country. This strategy is paying off.
“Supporting the growth of an indigenous MRO industry is part of Airbus’ commitment to the holistic development of India’s aviation ecosystem. Through this partnership, Airbus will support HAL to tap into the growing demand for MRO services for the country’s expanding commercial fleet, especially the A320 family of aircraft that have democratised air travel in India,” Airbus said in a statement.
The A320 is the most used narrow body with Indian carriers. IndiGo is the world’s biggest customer of this type, with almost 1,000 still on order books and yet to be received by mid 2030s. Air India and Vistara are the other big customers.
“HAL has a vision to establish an integrated MRO hub in the country and provide airlines with an effective MRO solution. This step by HAL Nashik is also aligned to civil-military convergence and the Make in India mission of the Government of India,” said Saket Chaturvedi, CEO (MiG Compex), HAL.
“Airbus is committed to growing the aviation ecosystem in India, and a key element of this ecosystem is the development of a strong MRO infrastructure,” said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia adding: “An indigenous MRO infrastructure will not only help airlines streamline their aircraft operations, but also support the government’s aim of making India a global aviation hub. And HAL with its deep experience in the aerospace industry is well positioned to trigger the growth of this sector.”
Under the agreement, Airbus will provide the A320 family tool package and offer specialised consulting services to HAL to set up an MRO. Airbus will also offer HAL access to AirbusWorld, a digital platform that offers support, technical data and training solutions.
HAL’s Nashik division has capabilities in civil MRO, which include Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved three hangars and skilled manpower from their defence activities.
