Air India, in an attempt to build its own aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities have begun construction of its largest MROs in Bengaluru International Airport. Touted to be one of India’s largest base maintenance facilities, the project will generate job opportunities for 1200 skilled aerospace engineers from Bengaluru and surrounding areas. The airline claims that this move will reaffirm its commitment to building a self-reliant MRO ecosystem in India.
The project will also support over 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Karnataka, thus strengthening the local supply chain in the region.
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Some of the salient features of the new facility are
- The facility will be built across a whooping 35-acres of land
- Air India plans to invest INR 1400 crore in Phase I of the MRO development project
- The facility will have 12 aircraft maintenance hangars with capability to maintain both narrowbody and widebody aircraft
- The facility will be equipped with cutting-edge aircraft maintenance technology, including overhead tele platforms, cranes, and the largest vertical lift hangar doors in India.
- The facility will also incorporate various sustainable initiatives in sync with Air India’s sustainability objectives
The airline hopes that this new facility will become a crucial hub for maintaining Air India’s expanding fleet as the airline inches closer to Vistara merger. Going ahead, Air India hopes that the facility would significantly enhance its aircraft maintenance operations in the region.
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Ms Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development & Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka, Mr Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), Mr Chin Yau Seng, CEO, SIA Engineering Company, along with a senior leadership team of India leadership.
Earlier this year, Air India had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to establish MRO facilities in Bengaluru. Air India has also signed an agreement with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to be its strategic partner for the development of this MRO facility.
Lauding Air India’s efforts of the quick turnaround that Air India has made in starting work for the MRO, Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka praised the airline. “This is not only a milestone for Indian aviation, which is growing at a rapid pace, but also for the state of Karnataka, which is taking a lead in the aviation sector with Bengaluru set to emerge as an important global aviation hub in the coming years,” Krishna said.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India called the Bengaluru MRO’s timings are opportune as it will help to strengthen India’s aviation ecosystem while enhancing Air India’s in-house maintenance capabilities. “This is a step ahead in our mission to make Air India a world-class airline,” Campbell adds.
Pleased to welcome the establishment of Air India’s MRO facility at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said: “As we work towards developing the Airport into a major aviation hub, this marks an important step towards strengthening the fleet maintenance capabilities and infrastructure offering. This development will not only enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth but also create valuable opportunities for local talent and businesses, reinforcing Bengaluru’s position as an important player in the aviation ecosystem.”
The Air India’s Bengaluru base maintenance MRO project is a joint venture between Government of Karnataka, Air India and BIAL while SIA Engineering Services (the engineering arm of Singapore Airlines) will plan, construct, develop and operationalize the Bengaluru facilities as per the agreement signed earlier this year.
SIAEC’s rising presence in India is on the backdrop of the recent foreign direct investment approval (FDI) on Singapore Airline’s (SIA’s) $276 investment in the Air India-Vistara merged entity. Singapore Airlines is due to invest up to $675.42 million after the merger is completed.