MRO

MRO

Safran steps up “Make in India” plans for civil and military aviation

Hyderabad, November 26, 2025 At a ceremony in Hyderabad with the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India; in presence of Ross McInnes, Chairman of Safran’s Board of Directors; and Olivier Andriès, Chief Executive Officer, Safran inaugurated its largest MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) center for the CFM International[1] LEAP engine. The Group also announced two defense investments to support the Rafale program in India. These moves underscore Safran’s deepening commitment to “Make in India,” bolstering local manufacturing and creating jobs in the civil and military aerospace sectors. Safran CEO Olivier Andriès said: “I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Government for their support and trust, which makes our growth in India possible. The two new MRO centers in Hyderabad dedicated to the LEAP and M88 engines — and our new joint venture with BEL — underscore India’s importance to our Group. We’re proud to support the rapid growth of India’s civil and defense aerospace markets and actively contribute to the country’s Make in India policy and strategic autonomy. Safran will triple its revenue in India to exceed 3 billion euros by 2030, of which half will be generated by our sites in India. At the same time, Safran will multiply by five its sourcing in the country.” The new LEAP engine MRO center represents a total investment of €200 million and will be operational in 2026. The 45,000-square-meter facility will ramp up to a capacity of 300 LEAP shop visits a year and boast a next-generation test bench. It will support the rapid growth in the region of the CFM International LEAP fleet, which powers most latest-generation narrowbody aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. India is CFM’s third-largest market, with five Indian carriers operating more than 400 LEAP-powered aircraft and 2,000 engines on order. The new site will employ more than 250 people at launch and up to 1,100 at full capacity. An on-site training center will train more than 100 Indian technicians and engineers each year, building skills and driving operational excellence. Safran also officially announced a new MRO shop dedicated to the M88 engine powering the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jet. Located in Hyderabad, adjacent to the LEAP engine center, the 5,000-square-meter facility represents an investment of over €40 million. It will provide MRO services for more than 600 engine modules a year and will employ up to 150 people at full capacity. Prioritizing engines on aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), it will also perform MRO for other M88 export customers. India is a long-standing customer for Safran’s military engines. The country recently ordered 26 Rafale M naval variants and already operates 36 Rafale and 47 Mirage 2000 fighters. In addition, on 24 November in New Delhi, Safran signed a Joint Venture and Cooperation Agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited to manufacture Safran Electronics & Defense’s “Hammer” modular air-to-surface weapon. The Hammer can be integrated on multiple aircraft types, including the Rafale and India’s single-seat HAL Tejas. During the visit, Safran CEO Olivier Andriès also flagged two additional investments announced in February 2025, totaling more than €30 million: An engineering center in Bangalore specializing in avionics and actuators, now operational and growing to 250 employees. An electronics and actuation manufacturing facility in Bangalore with 400 employees, starting operations in 2026. Safran has been a strategic partner to the Indian Armed Forces for 70 years, notably in helicopter engines with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Defense cooperation has deepened in recent years, as illustrated by SAFHAL, the joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL. In 2024, SAFHAL began designing the Aravalli engine for two future heavy helicopters for the Indian Armed Forces. Safran has operated in India for more than 70 years and today has 18 sites and employs 3,000 people in the country.

MRO

Satair to acquire Unical Aviation, boosting USM capabilities

Denmark, 7th November 2025: Satair, an Airbus company, has entered into an agreement to acquire Unical Aviation Inc. (“Unical”), a global aircraft parts and components supplier of Used Serviceable Material (USM) and its subsidiary ecube, a global expert in aircraft storage, disassembly, and transition services. This strategic acquisition represents a significant milestone in Satair’s strategy in the USM space, and reinforces its commitment to providing comprehensive and integrated aftermarket solutions. The acquisition includes Unical’s and ecube’s seven operational sites and offices across North America, Spain, and the United Kingdom, with combined 2024 revenue of $298 million and headcount of 413, adding a strategic expansion to Satair’s global footprint. The transaction is subject to the customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalised in early 2026. Both the expertise and infrastructure of Unical and ecube across will play a key role in enhancing Satair’s capabilities as a reliable provider of USM solutions, complementing its current offering supported by its subsidiary, VAS Aero Services – acquired by Satair in 2022 – and leveraging VAS’s capabilities across engine, multi-fleet USM and end-of-life support. Richard Stoddart, CEO of Satair and Head of Airbus Material Services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Unical and ecube to Satair.” He added: “At its core, this acquisition is about enhancing aircraft lifecycle management capabilities in the aerospace aftermarket. Prolonging the lifespan of material resources is essential – not only is it the most effective way to maximise the value of assets, it is also integral to establishing responsible material practices that benefit both our customers and our industry’s long-term future.” Sharon Green, CEO of Unical, commented: “We are delighted to join forces with Satair. This partnership marks a pivotal moment for Unical, and I have full faith that together we will unlock significant value for our customers, employees, and stakeholders. As a global leader in USM and a premier provider of aircraft storage, disassembly, and transition services, Unical and ecube are a powerful and natural match for Satair’s ambitions in services growth, material availability, and sustainability. We’re proud of what we’ve built—and even more excited for what’s ahead.”

MRO

Air Astana Group conducts six year and twelve year C-checks for the first time

Astana, 13th October 2025: Air Astana Group is simultaneously conducting 6-year and 12-year C-Check on Airbus A320 aircraft for the first time. The complex maintenance procedure is being carried out at the Engineering centre in Astana. Both procedures are among the most complex types of maintenance requiring almost complete disassembly of the aircraft followed by test flights to confirm full serviceability. These inspections cover all aircraft systems, with the 6-year C-Check limited the standard depth of inspection and the 12-year C-Check including expanded inspection of structures and components. Conducting such specialist inspections require highest level of qualification for engineering and technical staff, and compliance with international aviation safety standards. Since 2019, Air Astana has independently performed 42 C-Checks based at the Engineering centres of Almaty and Astana, including the first 6-year C-Check in 2023 and first 12-year C-Check in 2024. The current simultaneous 6-year and 12-year C-Checks are respectively being undertaken on an Air Astana Airbus A321neo and a FlyArystan Airbus A320ceo.

MRO

Expleo and Deutsche Aircraft sign strategic agreement for engineering services

Weßling, Germany, 02 October 2025 : Expleo, provider of engineering, technology and consulting services, and Deutsche Aircraft announce the signing of a cooperation agreement to deliver engineering services for the aircraft programme. Under this agreement, Expleo will become one of four First Tier Suppliers, playing a central role in Deutsche Aircraft’s supply chain. Expleo is a long-standing partner of Deutsche Aircraft, providing a comprehensive suite of advanced engineering services and was the recipient of the ‘Best Engineering Services Supplier’ award at the aircraft manufacturer’s annual Supplier Day in 2025. Graham Younger, VP Global Aerospace of Expleo, commented, “Expleo is committed to creating a more sustainable aerospace industry. We’re proud to renew our long-standing partnership with Deutsche Aircraft, an organisation whose vision for more sustainable aviation reflects our own. Expleo’s proven expertise in aerospace engineering will bring operational efficiencies to Deutsche Aircraft’s programmes as it sets standards in reducing the carbon footprint of air travel.” Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, said, “At Deutsche Aircraft, we are committed to redefining regional aviation through innovation and digital excellence. Our partnership with Expleo strengthens our operations by combining our vision for a greener future with Expleo’s engineering excellence. Together, we are setting new standards for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility in air travel.”

MRO

Satair and HAECO sign strategic supply agreement expansion

Singapore, 17 September 2025: Satair and HAECO have signed a new agreement expanding the scope of supply of expendables, specifically the Airbus Standard Parts for all operating companies under HAECO Group. The expansion of this strategic agreement is a direct result of the strong partnership and trust built between Satair and HAECO. By now including Airbus Standard Parts in the scope of supply, the agreement ensures an even more streamlined and reliable supply chain, providing HAECO with consistent access to expendable material. This broader collaboration will further reduce administration and material management costs, and mitigate AOG risks, fostering greater operational efficiency. Tommy Hughes, CCO, Satair, commented: “Building on our great relationship with HAECO is a key priority for us. We’re proud to be a reliable partner in their global supply chain, and we’re excited to expand this collaboration and grow our business alongside theirs.” Christian Pinter, General Manager, Group Procurement at HAECO Group, said: “We are pleased to extend our collaboration with Satair, who has proven to be a reliable and valued partner over the years. This agreement aligns with our strategic goals to optimise our material management across all areas of HAECO Group.” This expanded agreement is a clear indicator of the value Satair and HAECO have built through their partnership. It marks a significant step forward in strengthening the supply chain and material management capabilities of both companies, benefiting the aviation industry and enhancing operational readiness in the region.

MRO

Thales signs two strategic contracts with IndiGo

Gurugram, 17th Sept 2025: Thales and IndiGo have signed a strategic maintenance contract for the airline’s current fleet of 430 Airbus A320 aircraft and future order of over 800 A32X aircraft. As part of this 11-year contract, Thales will provide IndiGo with expert repair services for avionics components, coupled with Thales’s ‘Avionics-By-The-Hour’ (ABTH) programme – a comprehensive spares management solution that ensures the availability of critical components to minimise aircraft downtime. This, together with Thales’s ‘Repair-By-The-Hour’ (RBTH), guarantees timely maintenance for avionics, allowing IndiGo to increase the availability of its fleet and expedite repairs. Repairs will be managed notably at Thales’s new state-of-the-art avionics MRO facility in Gurugram, India, located near the Delhi airport, which is designed to handle the increasing demand for avionics support, featuring advanced technology to streamline repair processes and ensure high levels of fleet availability. Thales’s skilled technicians specialise in maintaining complex avionics systems with repairs that meet stringent safety and regulatory standards. IndiGo has also extended a 5-year contract with AvioBook, a Thales company, for AvioBook Flight —the only Electronic Flight Bag solution currently authorised for paperless operations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In use across the entire IndiGo fleet for over a year, AvioBook Flight has already helped significantly reduce consumption of paper usage annually thereby advancing environmental sustainability goals and streamlining flight operations on over 2,000 flights every day. “We are pleased to partner with Thales, a leading aerospace company trusted worldwide for its expertise in avionics support, to augment IndiGo’s maintenance and repairs capabilities. With IndiGo’s growing scale and fleet, this association aligns with our commitment to offer a hassle-free and safe flying experience to our customers, while ensuring operational excellence and reliability.” Parichay Datta, Senior Vice-president, Engineering, IndiGo. “This strategic partnership with IndiGo underscores our commitment to delivering airline world-class avionics support and services. Our new MRO facility in India increases Thales’s ability to provide a swift, reliable service, backed by the power of our global organisation, to meet the evolving demands of the Indian aviation industry.” Thomas Got, Vice President, Aviation Global Services, Thales.

MRO

ST Engineering opens new MRO facility in Singapore, increases capacity

Singapore, 15 September 2025: ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business advanced its position as a leading global engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider with the official opening of a new engine MRO facility in Singapore today. The ceremony was officiated by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. The new multi-million-dollar facility, an expansion of ST Engineering’s engine MRO operations, is located within its existing aerospace compound in Paya Lebar, Singapore. The expansion will allow its Commercial Aerospace business to progressively double its capacity for CFM56 and LEAP engine maintenance to over 300 engines annually by 2027. When combined with its engine MRO facility in Xiamen, China, the planned capacity across both locations will exceed 400 engine shop visits a year. Concurrent with capacity expansion, ST Engineering is broadening its services to include performance restoration and full overhaul shop visits for both LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines to better meet growing demands. Through this expansion, ST Engineering is expected to create over 300 new high-value jobs for its engine MRO operations in Singapore, while leveraging advanced technologies such as AI-enabled hardware sorters and automated cleaning systems to boost the efficiency of its engine MRO operations. “This expansion reflects our commitment to staying ahead of industry demand and delivering the highest standards in engine MRO, supporting both airline customers and engine OEMs,” said Jeffrey Lam, President Commercial Aerospace, ST Engineering. “As airlines expand and renew their fleets, and with more new-generation LEAP engines entering into service, our new capacity and technology-enabled workforce will position us well to support airline and operator customers worldwide.” “ST Engineering’s expansion of its MRO activities for aircraft engines along with the deployment of AI and automation in its facilities will further Singapore’s status as Asia’s leading aerospace hub. ST Engineering’s partnership with local enterprises is also a good example of how leading industry players can leverage Singapore’s vibrant and growing aerospace ecosystem to drive innovation as well as to enhance their business resilience and competitiveness,” said Jermaine Loy, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board. ST Engineering was the first MRO provider in Asia to be designated a Premier MRO provider in CFM International’s LEAP open MRO ecosystem in 2023. According to Aviation Week Fleet & Data Services, more than 4,000 LEAP-powered aircraft are in service today. In addition to engine MRO, ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business supports operators worldwide with comprehensive airframe and component solutions. The business is backed by 50 years of track record in aviation solutions and highly experienced teams of engineers and technicians across facilities in Asia Pacific, the U.S. and Europe.

MRO

Asia Digital Engineering seals agreement with Air France for Airbus A330 fleet maintenance

Kuala Lumpur, 10 September 2025: Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) subsidiary of Capital A, has signed a long-term agreement with Air France to provide heavy maintenance and aircraft modification services to the airline. Under the agreement, ADE will commence heavy maintenance checks on Air France’s Airbus A330-200 aircraft with the first induction scheduled for October 2025, followed by additional checks on a phased basis. These initial aircraft mark the beginning of a broader collaboration, with additional inductions expected in the coming years as the partnership between ADE and Air France continues to expand and deepen. The agreement was formally signed by Mahesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of Asia Digital Engineering and Géry Mortreux, Executive Vice President of Air France Industries. The document exchange was witnessed by YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry of Malaysia, and His Excellency Axel Cruau, French Ambassador to Malaysia. Tengku Zafrul said, “UN Tourism shared that global international visitor arrivals in 2024 had already reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels. For the same period, Asia Pacific alone registered 627.8 million visitors, which is forecast to increase to 801 million by 2027. Malaysia’s aerospace industry – with our clear growth policies, well-established ecosystem and rule of law – is well-poised to capture that growth. To that end, we welcome partnerships with foreign aircraft providers who see Malaysia’s value proposition as regional services and MRO hub to support their client servicing in this growing region.” Géry Mortreux, EVP of Air France Industries, said: “We are pleased to enter this partnership with Asia Digital Engineering, whose EASA-certified facilities and highly skilled workforce make them an excellent partner for maintaining our Airbus A330-200 fleet. As Air France expands its network and modernises operations, ADE’s expertise ensures efficient, world-class maintenance that minimises downtime and maximises performance. We look forward to a strong and enduring collaboration with ADE.” Mahesh Kumar, CEO of ADE, said: “We are delighted to welcome another world-class airline into our growing portfolio of customers. This partnership with Air France marks a historic milestone not only for ADE but also for Malaysia and the wider Asean aerospace industry. Being entrusted with their aircraft maintenance is a strong testament to the capabilities and competitiveness of our region’s MRO services. We are proud to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a hub for aerospace excellence while supporting Air France’s continued operational reliability.” Since its establishment in 2020, ADE has built the confidence of airline partners across the region by delivering exceptional MRO services, pioneering digital innovations, and maintaining an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. In less than five years, the company has completed over 180 base maintenance checks — a track record that highlights both its efficiency and quality. In May 2025, ADE achieved two of the highest international certifications in aviation: Maintenance Organisation Approval (EASA.145.0967) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Repair Station Certificate (ADNY458E) from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Beyond these, ADE is also recognised as an Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) in 10 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar — reinforcing its position as a trusted MRO provider across Asia.

MRO

India’s DGCA certifies ExecuJet MRO services Middle East for heavy maintenance on Falcon 6X

Dubai, 1st Sept. 2025: ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, has received approval from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to perform heavy maintenance checks on Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft.This milestone coincides with the delivery of India’s first Falcon 6X later this month, with a second aircraft scheduled to arrive before the end of the year. The Falcon 6X is a long-range, ultra-large cabin business jet gaining popularity in India for its spacious interior, short runway capabilities, and exceptional range. With a range of 5,500 nautical miles (10,186 km), it can fly non-stop from Mumbai to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In addition to its new DGCA approval, ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East is already certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to maintain the Falcon 6X. Approvals from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) are also in progress. “We are delighted to extend our support for Falcon 6X operators in India,” said Nick Weber, Regional Vice President for the Middle East at ExecuJet MRO Services. “These additional certifications strengthen our position as a leading MRO centre in the region.” Under the DGCA approval, ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East is authorised to perform heavy maintenance on Indian-registered Falcon 6X aircraft, including 36-month checks, at its facility at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport. “As a Dassault factory-owned MRO facility, we are able to carry out work under manufacturer warranty on behalf of our customers,” Weber added. “We support all current Falcon models and have a highly experienced workforce trained directly by Dassault. India is an important market for us, accounting for around five per cent of our total business.” According to Asian Sky data, India is Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing and third-largest business jet market, with 168 aircraft as of the end of 2024. In a further expansion of its capabilities, ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East has gained DGCA approval to conduct 3C heavy maintenance inspections on Indian-registered Falcon 2000/900 and 7/8X aircraft. “We applied for this additional approval in response to increasing demand in India,” Weber noted. “As more customer enquiries come in, we will continue to expand the range of aircraft we can support in the country.” ExecuJet MRO Services Middle East operates a 15,500 m² state-of-the-art facility at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. Its team is internationally certified, with training from Dassault Aviation and other leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Services include airframe and component maintenance, engine support, cabin refurbishments, avionics upgrades, satcom installations, and more.

MRO

Mahindra Aerostructures to manufacture Airbus H125 helicopter fuselage

Bengaluru, August 28, 2025: Mahindra Aerostructures has been awarded a contract by Airbus Helicopters to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of its H125 light single-engine helicopter — marking another major milestone for India’s ‘Make in India’ vision and further cementing Mahindra’s position as a trusted partner in the global aerospace supply chain. This contract is an addition to the already awarded contract to build the fuselage for another helicopter H130, which was announced earlier in 2025 and is progressing very well. The contract was announced in the presence of Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President International, Airbus, Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia, and Arvind Mehra, Managing Director and CEO of MASPL. According to the contract, Mahindra Aerostructures will manufacture H125 main fuselage at its Bangaluru facility which is being expanded to accommodate this new awarded programme. Industrialisation of this significantly important contract will begin immediately, and the first fuselage delivery is targeted for 2027. This contract further fortifies Airbus’ association with Mahindra Aerostructures, who are already supplying a variety of components, sub-assemblies and complex aerostructures to Airbus for other global programmes. “This new contract with Mahindra Aerostructures is a testament to the strong capabilities of our partners in India and our shared vision for the country’s aerospace sector,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and MD of Airbus in India and South Asia. “This significant H125 work package, along with our existing H130 partnership and the under-construction H125 FAL, demonstrates our confidence in India as a critical hub for global aerospace manufacturing. We are not just building helicopters in India; we are building an entire ecosystem that will contribute to developing and maturing the rotorcraft market in India.” Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with Airbus on its ‘Make in India’ plans. This contract strengthens our long-term partnership and reflects Mahindra Group and Airbus’ role in building India’s aerospace ecosystem. At Mahindra, we are committed to supporting the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and look forward to deepening our collaboration with Airbus.”

FOREWORD

Dear Reader’s,

 

The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

 

Happy Reading!

NEWSLETTER

Aviation World Magazine is India’s premier aviation magazine and has been actively supporting the development of the Indian and global civil aviation sector. We started our journey in year 2015 and its been 12 years now and the response and acceptance is really encouraging. Thanks to all our associates and writers who remained with us in our progressive journey.

We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

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