Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility in Hyderabad, Telangana, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation and aerospace sector. The state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of LEAP engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
A Milestone for India’s Aviation Sector
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing domestic aviation markets. He emphasized that India welcomes global investment and innovation, citing the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes as a key factor attracting international companies to the country. He described investors not merely as financial contributors but as co-creators and stakeholders in India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Mr Modi termed the SAESI facility a significant step in building a self-reliant and resilient India. He noted that with this facility, India’s aviation industry is set to embark on a new journey, contributing to the country’s ambition of becoming a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul hub.
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About the SAESI Facility
The SAESI facility, developed at a cost of over ₹1,300 crore across 45,000 square meters at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park-SEZ, is designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually. Upon reaching full operational capacity by 2035, the facility will employ over 1,000 highly-skilled Indian technicians and engineers.
This inauguration marks the first time a global aircraft engine OEM has established an MRO operation in India, making it one of the largest global aircraft engine MRO facilities. The facility represents a key step in strengthening India’s position in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting domestic skill development and employment.
Foundation Stone for M88 Military Engine MRO
In addition to the SAESI inauguration, the foundation stone was laid for the M88 Military Engine MRO, which will service engines for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, and other dignitaries were present. The facility is expected to enhance India’s defence self-reliance and support strategic aerospace capabilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy requested the Prime Minister to declare the Hyderabad-Bengaluru region as a Defence and Aerospace Corridor, reinforcing Telangana’s role in the country’s aerospace and defence initiatives.
Significance for India’s Aerospace and Defence Sector
The SAESI MRO facility not only strengthens India’s domestic aviation maintenance capabilities but also demonstrates the country’s ability to host world-class aerospace manufacturing and service operations. It aligns with India’s broader goals of fostering investment, innovation, and technological self-reliance in critical industries, including civil and military aviation.
