MRO & Manufacturing
Collins Aerospace Opens New Manufacturing Hub in Bengaluru India
Collins Aerospace launches a $100M advanced manufacturing center in Bengaluru to produce aerospace components and create 2200+ jobs by 2026.
Collins Aerospace Deepens Indian Roots with New Bengaluru Manufacturing Hub
In a significant move that reinforces India’s growing prominence in the global aerospace manufacturing landscape, Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX, has officially inaugurated its new Collins India Operations Center (CIOC). Announced on November 11, 2025, this sprawling facility is strategically located at the KIADB Aerospace Park in Bengaluru, a city often regarded as India’s aerospace and technology capital. The opening marks a pivotal expansion of the company’s operational footprint, designed to bolster its capacity to produce a wide array of advanced aerospace components for a worldwide market.
The establishment of the CIOC is more than just the construction of a new building; it represents a substantial investment in technology, talent, and the future of aerospace manufacturing. This center is poised to become a critical node in Collins Aerospace’s global supply chain, leveraging India’s skilled workforce and industrial ecosystem. By integrating cutting-edge manufacturing processes and focusing on a diverse product portfolio, the facility is set to enhance the company’s ability to meet the dynamic demands of the international aviation industry, ensuring operational excellence and timely delivery of critical systems.
This development is a cornerstone of a broader strategic vision for RTX in India. The new center not only expands the company’s manufacturing capabilities but also deepens a partnership that has spanned nearly three decades. As we explore the specifics of this facility, its technological underpinnings, and its place within the company’s long-term strategy, it becomes clear that the CIOC is a testament to a sustained commitment to growth, innovation, and collaboration within the Indian aerospace sector.
A Strategic Hub for Advanced Manufacturing
The Collins India Operations Center is a facility built to scale, reflecting a clear and decisive investment in future growth. Occupying a 26-acre plot, the center provides ample space for current production needs and future expansion. The financial commitment behind this project is substantial, with a reported $100 million invested in the facility’s development. This figure is a significant part of a larger, more comprehensive $250 million investment plan that RTX has earmarked for its operations in India, signaling a strong belief in the region’s potential as a strategic hub.
Beyond the physical infrastructure and financial investment, the CIOC is set to become a major source of employment and economic contribution for the Bengaluru region. Projections indicate that the facility will employ over 2,200 people by 2026, creating a wide range of opportunities for skilled professionals in engineering, manufacturing, and operations. This influx of jobs will not only support the local economy but also further cultivate the specialized talent pool that has made Bengaluru a magnet for high-tech industries.
In line with modern industrial standards, the CIOC has been developed with a strong focus on environmental responsibility. The site has achieved both LEED Silver and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Silver certifications. These credentials underscore a commitment to sustainable operations, resource efficiency, and a reduced environmental footprint. By adhering to these rigorous standards, Collins Aerospace ensures that its expansion is not only economically beneficial but also environmentally conscious, setting a benchmark for industrial development in the region.
Powering Global Aviation with Indian Manufacturing
At the core of the CIOC’s operational strategy is the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies. The facility is designed to be a showcase of Industry 4.0 principles, equipped with systems leveraging artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and robotics. These technologies are managed through a sophisticated Building Management System, which is engineered to optimize production workflows, enhance quality control, and increase overall efficiency. This technological foundation allows for greater precision and speed, which are critical in the highly regulated aerospace industry.
The initial production portfolio for the CIOC is both diverse and essential to modern aircraft. The facility will manufacture a range of products including passenger seats, cabin lighting, and cargo systems that are fundamental to the aircraft interior. It will also produce critical operational components such as temperature sensors, communication and navigation systems, and advanced water solutions. Furthermore, the production of evacuation slides highlights the center’s role in manufacturing vital safety equipment, demonstrating the high level of trust and responsibility placed upon this new operation.
This carefully selected product mix positions the CIOC as a versatile and indispensable part of the Collins Aerospace global network. The components manufactured in Bengaluru are destined for international markets, directly supporting aircraft assembly lines and maintenance operations around the world. This global reach not only strengthens the company’s supply chain resilience but also integrates the Indian manufacturing ecosystem more deeply into the fabric of international aviation.
“The Collins India Operations Center will drive operations and manufacturing for more than 70 Collins products, enhancing worldwide service transformation and delivering operational excellence. The CIOC will also have incremental capacity to support future growth opportunities and customer requirements.” – Roy Gullickson, senior vice president of operations at Collins Aerospace.
Strengthening a Three-Decade Partnership
The opening of the CIOC is the latest chapter in a long and established history for Collins Aerospace in India. The company has been present in the country for nearly three decades, steadily building a robust presence that extends across multiple functions. With an existing workforce of over 6,500 employees, Collins already operates significant engineering, digital, manufacturing, and supply chain teams in India. This new facility is a natural evolution of that long-standing commitment, building upon a solid foundation of experience and local expertise.
The CIOC is a key component of RTX’s multifaceted investment strategy in India. Of the total $250 million plan, $100 million has been allocated to a dedicated engineering and test development center, while another $50 million has been invested in the Pratt & Whitney India engineering center. This holistic approach demonstrates a vision that encompasses the full spectrum of aerospace development, from initial design and engineering to final manufacturing and testing. It positions India not just as a manufacturing location, but as a comprehensive hub for innovation.
This strategic expansion aligns with a broader industry trend where major aerospace and defense corporations are increasing their manufacturing and engineering footprint in India. The country’s combination of a large, skilled talent pool, a growing domestic market, and a supportive industrial policy environment makes it an attractive destination for investment. By launching the CIOC, Collins Aerospace not only enhances its own capabilities but also contributes to the maturation of India’s aerospace ecosystem, solidifying its position on the world stage.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Aerospace in India
The inauguration of the Collins India Operations Center in Bengaluru is a landmark event, symbolizing a powerful synergy between a global aerospace leader and a nation on the rise. The facility represents a significant investment in advanced manufacturing, underpinned by cutting-edge technology, a commitment to sustainability, and the creation of thousands of skilled jobs. By producing a diverse range of critical aerospace components for global markets, the CIOC strengthens Collins Aerospace’s worldwide supply chain and reinforces its operational resilience.
Looking ahead, the CIOC is more than just a factory; it is a strategic asset that signals a deep, long-term commitment to India as a hub for both manufacturing and engineering innovation. This move is indicative of a larger trend in the global aerospace industry, where collaboration and strategic geographic diversification are key to future success. As the CIOC ramps up its operations, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next chapter of aviation, not only for Collins Aerospace but for the Indian aerospace industry as a whole.
FAQ
Question: What is the Collins India Operations Center (CIOC)?
Answer: The CIOC is a new 26-acre advanced manufacturing facility opened by Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, in Bengaluru, India. It is designed to produce a wide range of aerospace products for global markets.
Question: How many jobs is the new facility expected to create?
Answer: The facility is projected to employ over 2,200 people by the year 2026.
Question: What types of products will be manufactured at the CIOC?
Answer: The initial product lineup includes seats, lighting, cargo systems, temperature sensors, communication and navigation systems, water solutions, and evacuation slides.
Question: What advanced technologies will the CIOC use?
Answer: The facility will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technologies such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and robotics, along with an Industry 4.0 Building Management System.
Sources: RTX News
Photo Credit: RTX
MRO & Manufacturing
ExecuJet Belgium Earns EASA and FAA Approval for Falcon 6X
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium secures EASA and FAA certification for Falcon 6X line and heavy maintenance plus AOG support.
ExecuJet MRO Services Belgium has secured regulatory approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform line and heavy maintenance on the Dassault Falcon 6X.
Announced in a company press release on July 13, 2026, the dual certification allows the Brussels-based facility to service the growing global fleet of the 5,500-nautical-mile range business jet. The approval also expands the company’s Dassault MRO GoTeam capabilities to include aircraft-on-ground (AOG) support for the Falcon 6X.
Expanding global support for the Falcon 6X
In addition to EASA and FAA certification, the Brussels facility received maintenance approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bermuda, the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba, and the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation in Guernsey. These combined authorizations enable ExecuJet Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Services to support a wide registry of international operators.
Matthijs Hutsebaut, Regional Vice President for Europe at ExecuJet MRO Services, highlighted the operational impact of the new certifications.
“EASA and FAA are the world’s two most internationally recognised civil aviation regulators. This approval is significant as it means we are now internationally certified to do line and heavy maintenance on all in-production Falcon aircraft types,” Hutsebaut stated.
According to the company, there are currently more than 30 Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft operating worldwide. Hutsebaut noted that demand for maintenance and support services is scaling alongside the active fleet. He added that the combination of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) expertise and AOG capabilities positions the facility to provide comprehensive support to operators.
Broader network growth and recent milestones
The Falcon 6X approval in Belgium follows a series of recent capability expansions across the ExecuJet MRO Services global network, which operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation.
On June 11, 2026, the Belgium facility completed an extensive heavy maintenance project on a Dassault Falcon 7X. That project included an engine change, avionics upgrades, and the installation of a Starlink satellite communications system.
The company is also expanding its heavy maintenance footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. On June 3, 2026, ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia announced the expansion of its Dassault Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capabilities at its Sydney facility, with C-checks scheduled to commence in October 2026.
AirPro News analysis
As new clean-sheet aircraft designs like the Dassault Falcon 6X enter service and build flight hours, the availability of certified maintenance infrastructure becomes a critical factor for operator dispatch reliability. By securing EASA and FAA approvals at a major European hub, Dassault Aviation is leveraging its wholly-owned ExecuJet MRO Services subsidiary to capture aftermarket revenue while ensuring its newest flagship operators have immediate access to heavy maintenance and AOG recovery. We expect to see similar capability rollouts across other ExecuJet MRO Services regional hubs as the Falcon 6X fleet matures and approaches its first major scheduled maintenance intervals.
Photo Credit: ExecuJet MRO Services
MRO & Manufacturing
Jet Access Maintenance Becomes Starlink Dealer Amid Price Hike
Jet Access Maintenance joins the Starlink dealer network as SpaceX raises aviation hardware costs 38% and doubles its top-tier monthly plan.
Jet Access Maintenance has secured authorization as a Starlink dealer, expanding its in-flight connectivity upgrade offerings across three maintenance facilities on the same day SpaceX implemented a massive pricing restructure for its aviation internet service.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, the company confirmed it will now evaluate, acquire, install, and support Starlink Aviation solutions. The authorization allows Jet Access Maintenance to perform the upgrades at its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Expanding MRO connectivity capabilities
The addition of Starlink hardware sales and activation support integrates into the company’s broader aircraft modernization initiatives. Installations will be completed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified technicians.
The MRO provider will handle ongoing maintenance, technical support, and integration with existing avionics systems for business aviation operators. Scott Dillon, President of Jet Access Maintenance, stated in the release that connectivity is an increasingly important part of the ownership and flight experience.
“By adding Starlink to our offering, we’re expanding the solutions available to our clients and helping them identify the connectivity platform that best supports their aircraft and mission requirements,” Dillon said.
SpaceX restructures Starlink Aviation pricing
The Jet Access Maintenance announcement coincides exactly with a major shift in Starlink’s business model. On July 7, 2026, SpaceX notified customers of a significant pricing restructure for its Starlink Business Aviation plans.
According to reporting by Aviation Week and Corporate Jet Investor, the top-tier Aviation Global Unlimited plan doubled in price from $10,000 to $20,000 per month. SpaceX also introduced a new mid-tier option, the Aviation Regional Unlimited plan, priced at $12,500 per month. This regional plan restricts unlimited data usage to a single continental region.
Hardware costs for business jets also saw a substantial increase. Holstein Aviation reported that the cost for Starlink Aviation hardware installation rose by approximately 38 percent, jumping from $145,000 to $200,000. Official Starlink Support documentation confirms these new rates take effect for existing customers on August 7, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We note that the timing of this dealer authorization places Jet Access Maintenance in a unique position. The company is entering the Starlink dealer network just as the product undergoes its most significant pricing and tier-structure shift to date.
The 38 percent increase in hardware costs and the doubling of the global unlimited data plan alter the value proposition for mid-light jet operators. While Starlink remains a highly sought-after low-latency connectivity solution, the new $200,000 hardware baseline and $12,500 minimum monthly commitment will likely shift the primary upgrade market toward heavy jet and ultra-long-range aircraft operators. Jet Access Maintenance will need to navigate this new pricing reality as it pitches modernization initiatives to its existing client base.
Sources: Jet Access Maintenance, Aviation Week, Corporate Jet Investor, Starlink Support, Holstein Aviation
Photo Credit: Jet Access Maintenance
MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Opens $140M LEAP Engine MRO Facility in Mexico
Safran Aircraft Engines inaugurated a $140M LEAP engine maintenance facility in Querétaro, targeting 350 shop visits annually by 2030.
Safran Aircraft Engines officially opened a $140 million maintenance facility in Querétaro, Mexico, on July 1, 2026, expanding its capacity to service the rapidly growing global fleet of CFM LEAP engines. The new shop adds significant infrastructure to the manufacturers footprint in the Americas, targeting the high-volume narrowbody market.
The facility is part of a broader €1 billion global investment strategy by the company to scale its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network. The CFM LEAP engine powers next-generation narrowbody aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX, both of which are seeing increased shop visit demand as early-delivery airframes mature.
Scaling LEAP engine maintenance in the Americas
The comprehensive MRO hub in Querétaro spans a total footprint of 50,000 square meters. Safran projects that by 2030, the two maintenance facilities located at the site will be capable of handling 350 LEAP engine shop visits annually. The site also features a new test cell designed to perform 350 engine tests per year by the end of the decade.
In a press release issued to mark the opening, Stéphane Cueille, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, stated that the inauguration strengthens the Querétaro hub’s role at the center of the company’s maintenance ecosystem in the Americas.
Workforce growth and training initiatives
The new engine shop will employ 450 people when operating at full capacity. This expansion adds to the existing workforce across the four Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas facilities in Querétaro, which currently stands at 1,450 employees. Safran projects the total headcount for its Querétaro operations will reach 2,000 by 2030.
To support this rapid workforce expansion, the company established an onsite training center in partnership with local educational institutions. The center is designed to train 300 inspectors and technicians annually, creating a direct pipeline of qualified personnel for the MRO hub.
“With continued investment in Mexico and around the world we will address the growing global demand for LEAP engine maintenance while continuing to deliver world class support to our customers in the region,” Cueille said.
Global MRO network expansion
The Querétaro engine shop inauguration aligns with Safran Aircraft Engines’ €1 billion global investment plan. To support the expanding CFM LEAP engine fleet, the company recently opened similar maintenance facilities in India, Morocco, and Belgium.
The broader Safran Group is also increasing its footprint in Mexico across other divisions. On June 10, 2026, Safran Landing Systems announced an expansion of its global MRO capabilities, which included its separate Querétaro site, to support landing gear maintenance for Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and Airbus A330 aircraft.
AirPro News analysis
The aggressive expansion of Safran’s MRO network underscores the industry-wide pressure to keep next-generation narrowbody fleets operational. As the CFM LEAP engine matures and the installed base on Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft grows, shop visit demand is accelerating. We view the $140 million investment in Querétaro as a strategic move to localize heavy maintenance near major North and South American operators, reducing turnaround times and logistical bottlenecks. The concurrent focus on local workforce training highlights a critical challenge in the MRO sector: securing the qualified technicians required to meet projected maintenance volumes over the next decade.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
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