Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility on Wednesday. This will mark a major milestone for India’s aviation sector. The facility is located inside the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park-SEZ near Hyderabad Airport. This centre will serve as Safran’s dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre for LEAP engines. These are the advanced power plants that are used in Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The LEAP series is among the world’s most widely used engines. Thus, marking the centre strategically significant for India and global airlines operating in the region.
According to the PIB release, this is the first time a global aircraft engine OEM has established an MRO operation in India. This development has been termed a “significant milestone” for the country.
All about the SAESI facility
The facility spans 45,000 square metres, built with an initial investment of Rs 1,300 crore and is designed to provide service to up to 300 LEAP engines annually. The centre is likely to employ over 1,000 highly skilled Indian engineers and technicians when it reaches its full operational capacity by 2035. It will also include the advanced equipment needed for precision repair and overhaul of modern jet engines. It will also give India the capabilities that were earlier required by foreign facilities.
Why is it significant?
The Prime Minister’s Office, as quoted by IANS, stated that the new facility is a “huge step towards Aatmanirbharta in the aviation sector.”
The facility is expected to
1. Reduce foreign exchange outflow, since Indian airlines won’t be required to send engines abroad for servicing.
2. It will generate high-value specialised jobs.
3. Will position India as a global aviation and MRO hub.
4. Make the supply-chain stronger.
Government policy changes, including MRO guidelines 2021, the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016, were key enablers that made it easier for global players like Safran to build up facilities in India.
Meanwhile, PM Modi will also launch the Vikram-I orbital rocket and will unveil Skyroot Aerospace’s Infinity Campus on November 27. Vikram-I is capable of launching satellites to orbit, whereas the new 200,000 square feet campus. It will also provide end-to-end development and testing to launch vehicles.