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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Question: What is the Collins India Operations Center (CIOC)? Question: How many jobs is the new facility expected to create? Question: What types of products will be manufactured at the CIOC? Question: What advanced technologies will the CIOC use? Sources: RTX News
Collins Aerospace Deepens Indian Roots with New Bengaluru Manufacturing Hub
A Strategic Hub for Advanced Manufacturing
Powering Global Aviation with Indian Manufacturing
Strengthening a Three-Decade Partnership
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Aerospace in India
FAQ
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.
Answer: The facility is projected to employ over 2,200 people by the year 2026.
Answer: The initial product lineup includes seats, lighting, cargo systems, temperature sensors, communication and navigation systems, water solutions, and evacuation slides.
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.
Photo Credit: RTX
MRO & Manufacturing
GA Telesis Expands Asia-Pacific Reach with South Korean Approval
GA Telesis Engine Services secures South Korean MOLIT certification to offer engine overhaul services and signs new deal with MIAT Mongolian Airlines.
This article is based on an official press release from GA Telesis.
GA Telesis Engine Services (GATES), the Helsinki-based engine maintenance subsidiary of GA Telesis, has announced a major expansion of its operational capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. According to an official company press release, GATES has received Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certification from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT). This certification authorizes the facility to perform full overhaul services on specific engine models for South Korean airlines.
In a simultaneous development, the company confirmed a new engine maintenance agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines. These announcements mark a strategic push by GATES to establish itself as a primary independent alternative to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) facilities in a region heavily reliant on narrowbody aircraft.
The newly acquired MOLIT approval is a critical regulatory milestone for GATES. Under South Korea’s Aviation Safety Act, foreign repair stations must undergo a rigorous audit of their quality control systems and technical procedures before they are permitted to release South Korean-registered aircraft to service. By securing this certification, GATES can now bid directly for heavy maintenance contracts with South Korean carriers without requiring third-party approvals.
According to the press release, the MOLIT approval covers full overhaul authority for three major engine types:
This scope is particularly significant given the composition of the South Korean commercial fleet. Market data indicates that the CFM56-7B is the primary engine for the country’s low-cost carriers (LCCs), including Jeju Air, T’way Air, and Jin Air, which operate substantial fleets of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Additionally, the CF6-80C2 remains in service with major carriers like Asiana Airlines and Korean Air for their widebody operations.
“This approval allows us to bring our world-class engine maintenance solutions directly to South Korean airlines, offering them a competitive alternative for their fleet requirements.”
, Statement from GA Telesis Press Release
Alongside the regulatory news, GATES announced a definitive agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines for the maintenance of its CFM56-7B engines. MIAT, the national flag carrier of Mongolia, operates a fleet centered around the Boeing 737-800. This contract underscores the technical capabilities of the Helsinki facility and provides MIAT with a maintenance partner located strategically between its Asian and European route networks.
The agreement validates GATES’ strategy of targeting operators who require flexible, cost-effective maintenance solutions outside of the traditional OEM network. By utilizing the Helsinki facility, MIAT gains access to a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) environment while maintaining logistical efficiency for its fleet. The Rise of Independent MROs in Asia
The entry of GATES into the South Korean market represents a shift in the regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) landscape. Historically, South Korean airlines have relied heavily on OEM-affiliated shops, such as the Korean Air Tech Center, or major regional players like ST Engineering. These relationships often come with rigid pricing structures and capacity constraints.
As an independent provider, GATES is positioned to compete on turnaround time (TAT) and workscope flexibility. For LCCs operating on tight margins, the ability to perform targeted repairs, rather than mandatory full overhauls, can result in significant cost savings. The “hospital shop” concept, which focuses on surgical repairs to return engines to service quickly, is likely to appeal to carriers like T’way Air and Jeju Air as their fleets age and maintenance events become more frequent.
Furthermore, the timing of the MOLIT approval coincides with a high demand for CFM56 shop visits globally. As supply chain issues continue to plague the new engine market (LEAP and GTF), airlines are holding onto older aircraft longer, increasing the need for reliable maintenance capacity for legacy engines like the CFM56 and CF6.
The GATES facility is located at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland. According to company data, the site spans 180,000 square feet and features an integrated test cell capable of handling engines with up to 100,000 lbs of thrust. The facility has an annual capacity of approximately 200 engines.
With the addition of the South Korean MOLIT certification, GATES now holds approvals from major global regulators, including:
This broad regulatory portfolio allows the company to serve a diverse customer base across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, reinforcing its status as a premier independent engine maintenance provider.
GA Telesis Engine Services Secures South Korean Regulatory Approval, Expands APAC Footprint
Breaking Barriers in the South Korean Market
Authorized Engine Types
Strategic Partnership with MIAT Mongolian Airlines
AirPro News Analysis
Facility Capabilities and Global Reach
Sources
Photo Credit: GA Telesis
MRO & Manufacturing
ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Expanding CFM56 MRO Services
ITP Aero signs agreement to acquire Aero Norway, enhancing aftermarket capabilities for CFM56 engines and expanding its European MRO presence.
ITP Aero, a global leader in aerospace propulsion, has signed a binding agreement to acquire Aero Norway, a specialized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider focused on CFM56 engines. According to the company’s official announcement, the transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The acquisition represents a significant expansion of ITP Aero’s aftermarket capabilities. By integrating Aero Norway’s facility in Stavanger, Norway, ITP Aero aims to reinforce its status as a leading independent player in the aerospace services sector. The move follows a trajectory of aggressive growth for the Spanish propulsion company since its acquisition by Bain Capital in 22.
Aero Norway operates out of a facility at Sola Airport in Stavanger, employing a workforce of over 200 skilled technicians. The company has established a reputation for high-quality engine maintenance, specifically for the CFM56 engine family, serving a global client base of airlines, lessors, and asset managers.
In its press statement, ITP Aero highlighted that the two companies possess “highly complementary strengths.” The deal combines Aero Norway’s deep expertise in engine overhaul with ITP Aero’s existing engineering capabilities and component repair infrastructure. This synergy is designed to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to the aftermarket sector.
This agreement is the latest in a series of strategic moves by ITP Aero. In 2023, the company acquired BP Aero in the United States and was recently selected to join Pratt & Whitney’s GTF MRO network. These steps are part of a broader “2030 Strategic Plan” which aims to double the size of the business and increase the global workforce by 50% by the end of the decade.
While the press release focuses on corporate synergies, the acquisition underscores a critical trend in the current aviation landscape: the extended dominance of the CFM56 engine. As new-generation engines like the LEAP and GTF face supply chain delays and durability challenges, airlines are keeping older aircraft powered by CFM56 engines in service longer than originally planned.
Industry data suggests that approximately 20,000 CFM56 engines will remain in service through 2025. Consequently, the demand for maintenance shop visits is projected to peak between 2025 and 2027. By acquiring a specialist shop like Aero Norway, ITP Aero is effectively positioning itself to capture high-value work during this period of “structural undersupply” in the narrowbody market. This “Golden Tail”, the long, profitable tail end of an engine program’s lifecycle, provides a stable revenue runway for MRO providers capable of handling heavy overhauls. The crossover point where new-generation engine shop visits outnumber CFM56 visits is not expected until later in the decade, making capacity for legacy engines a premium asset today.
Leadership from both organizations emphasized the value of combining their respective technical strengths. Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group, described the agreement as a key component of the company’s roadmap.
“The signing of this binding acquisition agreement marks a significant milestone in our strategic roadmap. This acquisition reinforces our ambition to become a leading independent player in the aerospace aftermarket.”
, Eva Azoulay, CEO of ITP Aero Group
Neil Russell, CEO of Aero Norway, noted that the merger would unlock synergies beneficial to their customer base.
“By combining the complementary strengths of ITP Aero and Aero Norway, we will unlock significant synergies that enhance our competitiveness and deliver even greater value to our customers.”
, Neil Russell, CEO of Aero Norway
ITP Aero reports that it has tripled its earnings since 2022 and is currently implementing a long-term business plan that spans civil, defense, and MRO segments. The company was advised on legal M&A matters regarding this transaction by Baker McKenzie.
Pending regulatory clearance, the integration of Aero Norway into the ITP Aero Group will finalize in 2026, solidifying the company’s footprint in the European MRO market.
Sources:
ITP Aero to Acquire Aero Norway, Strengthening Position in CFM56 Aftermarket
Strategic Expansion in the MRO Sector
AirPro News Analysis: The “Golden Tail” of the CFM56
Executive Commentary
Future Outlook
Photo Credit: ITP Aero
MRO & Manufacturing
AkzoNobel Invests €50 Million to Upgrade US Aerospace Coatings Facilities
AkzoNobel invests €50 million to expand and modernize aerospace coatings production in Illinois and Wisconsin, enhancing capacity and supply chain resilience.
This article is based on an official press release from AkzoNobel.
AkzoNobel has officially announced a significant investments of €50 million (approximately $52–55 million) to modernize and expand its aerospace coatings capabilities in North America. According to the company’s announcement on December 18, 2025, the project will focus on upgrading its flagship manufacturing facility in Waukegan, Illinois, and establishing a new distribution center in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
This strategic move aims to increase production capacity and shorten lead times for airline and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) customers. By enhancing its supply chain infrastructure, AkzoNobel intends to address the growing demand for air travel and the subsequent need for advanced aerospace coatings.
The investment centers on the Waukegan facility, which currently serves as AkzoNobel’s largest aerospace coatings production site globally. The site employs approximately 200 people and houses a dedicated color center. According to the press release, the capital injection will fund the installation of new machinery and automated processes designed to handle larger batch sizes.
To further optimize operations, the company is relocating its warehousing and distribution activities to a new facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. This relocation is intended to free up floor space at the Waukegan plant, allowing for a focus on complex, customized chemical manufacturing.
Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the investment:
“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry. Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly… and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand.”
A key component of the upgrade is the introduction of a “Rapid Service Unit” dedicated to faster turnaround times for the MRO market. The company states that the new infrastructure will include a “liquid pre-batch area” and “high-speed dissolvers” to accelerate production.
Martijn Arkesteijn, Global Operations Director for AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, noted that these improvements are designed to enhance flexibility for customers: “We’ll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for color development.”
While AkzoNobel’s announcement focuses on internal efficiency, this investment arrives during a period of intensified competition within the North American aerospace sector. Earlier in 2025, rival manufacturer PPG announced a massive $380 million investment to construct a new aerospace coatings plant in Shelby, North Carolina.
In our view, AkzoNobel’s strategy differs significantly from its competitor’s greenfield approach. Rather than building new capacity from scratch, AkzoNobel is executing a targeted upgrade of existing assets. This “efficiency war” suggests that the company is betting on agility and technology upgrades, specifically the ability to deliver custom colors and small batches quickly via its new Rapid Service Unit, rather than simply expanding raw volume output.
The upgraded facilities are also aligned with the aviation industry’s push for decarbonization. AkzoNobel highlighted that the investment supports the production of its “Basecoat/Clearcoat” systems, which are lighter than traditional coatings. Reducing paint weight is a critical factor for airlines seeking to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Furthermore, the new automated processes are expected to reduce chemical waste and solvent use. The facility upgrades will likely support the increased production of chromate-free primers, meeting stricter regulatory requirements in both the United States and the European Union.
By localizing more storage and production capacity in North America, AkzoNobel also aims to bolster supply chain resilience, addressing vulnerabilities exposed during the post-pandemic aviation recovery.
AkzoNobel Announces €50 Million Upgrade to US Aerospace Coatings Operations
Strategic Expansion in Illinois and Wisconsin
Operational Efficiency and the “Rapid Service Unit”
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Sustainability and Technology Integration
Sources
Photo Credit: AkzoNobel
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