(MENAFN- KNN India) Hyderabad, Nov 27 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in Hyderabad.

The launch marks a significant boost to India's ambitions of becoming a global Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub.

Located in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the centre is Safran's largest MRO facility for Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engines that power Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

It is also the first full-scale MRO operation set up in India by a global aircraft engine manufacturer.

Built with an investment of around Rs 1,300 crore, the 45,000 sq m facility can service up to 300 engines annually and is expected to employ over 1,000 skilled technicians and engineers by 2035, reported ET.

The centre is equipped with advanced systems for high-end engine maintenance.
“Safran's new facility will help establish India as a global MRO hub and create new opportunities for our youth,” Modi said, adding that India is now among the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.

Safran also announced two defence-related investments linked to the Rafale programme, reinforcing its commitment to the 'Make in India' initiative.

CEO Olivier Andriès said the new LEAP and M88 engine MRO centres and a joint venture with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) highlight India's growing role in the company's global operations.

Safran aims to triple its revenue in India to over EUR 3 billion by 2030 and increase local sourcing fivefold.

The government has been working to build a domestic MRO ecosystem under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Nearly 85 per cent of India's MRO work previously took place overseas, leading to higher costs and longer aircraft downtime.

Modi reiterated that India views foreign investors as partners in its growth journey, inviting global companies to participate in the country's expanding aviation sector.
(KNN Bureau)

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