PM Modi Inaugurates Safran Aircraft Engine Services India Facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility in Hyderabad, marking a major milestone for India’s aviation ecosystem. The project makes India a host country for a global aircraft engine OEM’s maintenance, repair and overhaul operations for the first time. The move is expected to strengthen domestic capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas MRO centres.

Significance of the SAESI MRO Centre

The Hyderabad-based SAESI facility is dedicated to servicing LEAP engines, which power widely used Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. As one of the world’s largest MRO hubs for these engines, the centre positions India as an important link in global aviation supply chains. The project represents a substantial step toward long-term self-reliance in engine maintenance.

Scale, Investment and Workforce Development

Spread across 45,000 square metres in the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park-SEZ, the facility has been built with an initial investment of around ₹1,300 crore. Once fully operational by 2035, it is designed to service up to 300 engines annually and employ more than 1,000 highly skilled Indian technicians and engineers. The centre will incorporate advanced machinery to deliver world-class repair standards.

Boost to India’s Aviation and MRO Ecosystem

The government considers the project a pivotal step in reducing foreign-exchange outflow, strengthening supply-chain resilience and offering high-value employment. Enhanced indigenous capability in aircraft engine servicing is expected to support India’s fast-expanding civil aviation market. Policy initiatives such as the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016, MRO Guidelines 2021 and the 2024 GST reforms have already eased procedural barriers for MRO businesses.

Exam Oriented Facts

• SAESI services LEAP engines used in A320neo and B737 MAX aircraft.
• The facility spans 45,000 sq. metres in Hyderabad’s GMR Aerospace Park.
• Initial investment: approximately ₹1,300 crore.
• Planned capacity: 300 engines annually by 2035 with 1,000 skilled employees.

Future Outlook for India as an Aviation Hub

The inauguration aligns with wider national efforts to develop a comprehensive MRO ecosystem. With rising passenger traffic and increasing fleet sizes, India aims to evolve into a regional aviation hub capable of supporting both domestic and overseas airlines. The SAESI facility is expected to accelerate this transition by anchoring global-level expertise within the country.