In a significant development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Airbus have formalized a contract to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the A-320 family of aircraft. This collaboration is poised to fortify the Make-in-India mission, signifying a strategic move towards achieving self-reliance in the aviation sector.
HAL’s ambitious plan to create an integrated MRO hub in India is a testament to its commitment to providing commercial airlines with a comprehensive MRO solution. The agreement outlines Airbus’s role in supplying the A320 family tool package and offering specialized consulting services to HAL, facilitating the creation of a robust MRO infrastructure.
Saket Chaturvedi, CEO (MiG Complex) at HAL, underscored the organization’s dedication to delivering an effective MRO solution and highlighted the alignment with the civil-military convergence and the broader Make-in-India mission of the Government of India. This collaboration not only addresses the growing demand for MRO services in India but also caters to the specific requirements of the A320 family of aircraft, a crucial component of the country’s expanding commercial fleet.
Rémi Maillard, President & Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, emphasized Airbus’s commitment to nurturing the aviation ecosystem in India, with a strong MRO infrastructure being a key element of this commitment.
The forthcoming MRO facility, expected to be operational by November 2024 with DGCA approval, holds the promise of being unparalleled in India. The collaboration envisions significant reductions in lead-time, improved turnaround, and cost-effectiveness, ultimately enhancing the availability of the A320 fleet for seamless flight operations.
Looking forward, the Nashik facility aspires to extend its services to the broader Asian region after obtaining EASA approval in partnership with Airbus. This strategic venture between HAL and Airbus lays the groundwork for a transformative chapter in India’s aviation landscape, fostering technical self-sufficiency and contributing to the global competitiveness of A-320 family MRO services.
