MRO & Manufacturing
Safran Expands Aviation Facilities in India with Major New Investments
Safran inaugurates the world’s largest LEAP engine MRO center and new military facilities in Hyderabad, aiming to triple revenue by 2030.
On November 26, 2025, the aerospace landscape in India witnessed a significant transformation as Safran, the French multinational aerospace and defense corporation, inaugurated major new facilities in Hyderabad. This expansion marks a decisive step in the company’s long-term strategy to deepen its industrial presence in the region. The events included the inauguration of a massive MRO center for civil engines and the groundbreaking of a dedicated facility for military engine maintenance. These developments underscore a robust alignment with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, aiming to bolster local capabilities in high-technology sectors.
The strategic move involves substantial financial commitment, with investments totaling approximately €240 million across the new projects. By establishing these facilities, Safran is not only enhancing its service delivery to Indian airlines carriers and the Indian Air Force (IAF) but is also positioning India as a critical node in its global supply chain. The initiatives are designed to address the growing demand for aviation services in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, where domestic carriers have over 1,500 aircraft on order.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the expansion includes significant partnerships intended to transfer technology and foster local manufacturing. A notable highlight is the collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to produce advanced defense systems locally. These simultaneous developments in civil and defense sectors reflect a comprehensive approach to market penetration, aiming to triple Safran’s revenue in India to over €3 billion by 2030 while significantly increasing local sourcing.
The centerpiece of this expansion is the inauguration of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center dedicated to the LEAP engine. Located in the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in Hyderabad, this facility represents an investment of €200 million (approximately ₹1,300 crore). It is distinguished as the largest MRO center for CFM International LEAP engines globally and the first such facility established by a global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) within India. The center is designed to service LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines, which power the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX fleets operated by various Indian airlines.
Operational efficiency and capacity are central to the facility’s design. The center is projected to handle 300 engine shop visits annually once it reaches full operational status in 2026. Initially starting with a workforce of 250, the facility plans to scale up its employment to 1,100 highly skilled technicians at full capacity. This large-scale recruitment and training drive is expected to contribute significantly to the local skill ecosystem, creating a pool of specialized aviation maintenance professionals in the region.
The establishment of this facility addresses a critical economic inefficiency in the Indian aviation sector. Currently, approximately 85-90% of MRO work for Indian carriers is outsourced to foreign facilities, leading to substantial foreign exchange outflows. By localizing these services, the new center will aid Indian airlines in reducing turnaround times and operational costs. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu noted that domestic MRO activities could potentially save the industry up to $15 billion in foreign exchange in the coming years, highlighting the macroeconomic impact of this project.
“I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Government for their support and trust… 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.”, Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran.
Parallel to its civil aviation efforts, Safran has broken ground on a new MRO shop dedicated to the M88 engine, which powers the Dassault Rafale fighter jets. Located adjacent to the LEAP facility in Hyderabad, this project involves an investment of €40 million. Notably, this will be the first M88 MRO shop established outside of France. The facility is designed to process 600 engine modules annually and will employ up to 150 technicians. Its primary mandate is to support the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet, ensuring higher availability and operational readiness for the Rafale jets, while also possessing the capacity to serve other export customers.
In a move to deepen defense localization, Safran also signed a Joint Venture (JV) and Cooperation Agreement with the Indian state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This 50:50 partnership focuses on the manufacturing of the “Hammer” (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) air-to-surface weapon. The Hammer is a precision-guided munition with a range of up to 70 kilometers. The joint venture aims to manufacture this advanced weaponry locally, thereby reducing reliance on imports and enhancing the strategic autonomy of the Indian defense forces. The integration capabilities of the Hammer missile extend beyond the Rafale. The weapon system is designed to be compatible with India’s indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), providing a significant boost to the operational capabilities of home-grown platforms. This collaboration signifies a shift from a buyer-seller relationship to a co-development and co-production model, aligning with the broader defense strategy of the Indian government to build a self-reliant defense industrial base.
The aggressive expansion strategy outlined by Safran is backed by specific financial and operational targets. The group aims to triple its annual revenue in India, targeting a figure exceeding €3 billion by the year 2030. To achieve this, the company is not only expanding its own facilities but is also restructuring its supply chain. Safran plans to increase its sourcing of components from Indian suppliers by 500% (a five-fold increase) by 2030, integrating Indian manufacturers more deeply into the global aerospace value chain.
These developments occur against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding Indian MRO market, which is projected to grow from its current levels to approximately $4 billion by 2031. With Indian carriers placing record-breaking orders for new aircraft, the demand for domestic maintenance capabilities is set to surge. Safran’s early positioning in this sector allows it to capture a significant share of this growth while supporting the operational stability of the region’s airlines.
Looking ahead, the company has indicated a willingness to further expand its industrial footprint based on future defense procurement. CEO Olivier Andriès indicated that if India places additional orders for Rafale jets, beyond the initial 36 and the 26 Marine variants, Safran is committed to establishing a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the engines in India. This potential development suggests that the current investments are part of a phased roadmap that could see India becoming a central hub for advanced aerospace manufacturing in the coming decade.
Safran’s simultaneous inauguration of civil and military facilities in Hyderabad represents a pivotal moment in the Indian aerospace sector. By localizing critical maintenance capabilities for the LEAP and M88 engines and initiating the local production of advanced weaponry through the BEL joint venture, the company is effectively bridging the gap between global technology and local requirements. These steps not only support the operational efficiency of Indian airlines and the Air Force but also generate significant economic value through job creation and foreign exchange savings.
As the Indian aviation market continues its trajectory toward becoming one of the largest in the world, the establishment of such infrastructure is essential for sustainable growth. The commitment to triple revenues and multiply local sourcing suggests that this partnership will continue to evolve, potentially leading to even more advanced manufacturing capabilities, such as engine assembly lines, being established in India in the near future.
Question: What is the significance of the new LEAP MRO facility in Hyderabad? Question: What is the “Hammer” Joint Venture? Question: How does this expansion impact the Indian economy?
Safran Expands Strategic Footprint in India with New Civil and Military Aviation Facilities
World’s Largest LEAP Engine MRO Center
Strengthening Defense Autonomy: M88 Engines and the “Hammer” JV
Economic Targets and Future Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
Answer: The new facility is the largest MRO center for CFM International LEAP engines in the world and the first established by a global OEM in India. It will service engines for Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, helping Indian airlines reduce costs and turnaround times.
Answer: It is a 50:50 partnership between Safran and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to manufacture the “Hammer” air-to-surface weapon in India. The weapon has a range of 70 km and will be integrated into Rafale and Tejas aircraft.
Answer: The expansion aims to triple Safran’s revenue in India to over €3 billion by 2030 and increase local sourcing by five times. Additionally, domestic MRO capabilities are expected to save billions in foreign exchange by reducing the outsourcing of maintenance work.
Sources
Photo Credit: Safran
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
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace Deploys 180 Engineers for Holiday Flight Operations
GE Aerospace positions 180 Field Service Engineers in 34 countries to prevent aircraft groundings and manage winter maintenance challenges during peak holiday travel.
While millions of travelers settle in for holiday downtime, the global aviation industry enters its most critical operational window. According to AAA projections, approximately 122.4 million Americans traveled 50 miles or more from home during the 2024-2025 holiday season, with air travel seeing a projected 2.3% increase in domestic flyers. Behind this surge lies a largely invisible workforce dedicated to preventing cancellations before they happen.
According to an official press release from GE Aerospace, the company deployed 180 Field Service Engineers (FSEs) to 34 countries specifically to support Airlines customers during this peak period. These engineers are “embedded” directly with airlines and airframers, working on tarmacs and in hangars to mitigate technical risks that could otherwise ground fleets during the busiest weeks of the year.
The role of an FSE goes beyond standard maintenance; it involves proactive problem-solving under strict time constraints. GE Aerospace describes these teams as being on the front lines, ensuring that both passenger jets and cargo freighters remain operational despite the strain of high-cycle usage and winter weather.
Jordan Mayes, a Regional Leader for GE Aerospace Commercial Field Service in Western Europe and Africa, highlighted the intensity of the holiday operational tempo in the company’s statement:
“The sense of urgency is more elevated than normal… And often there are fewer hands to do the work.”
, Jordan Mayes, GE Aerospace Regional Leader
This urgency is driven not just by passenger volume, but by a booming air cargo sector. Industry data indicates that air cargo volumes saw double-digit growth in late 2024, driven by e-commerce demands and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. Stephane Petter, a Regional Leader for Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia, noted that the stakes for cargo are often underestimated.
“An issue with a grounded or delayed passenger aircraft might delay 350 people. With a cargo plane, thousands of parcels might be delayed, so the downstream customer impact is potentially greater.”
, Stephane Petter, GE Aerospace Regional Leader
To illustrate the impact of embedded engineers, GE Aerospace shared a specific operational success story involving Alaa Ibrahim, the Middle East regional leader. His team was monitoring a Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipped with GEnx-1B engines. The engineers identified a minor clamp repair that was necessary to keep the engine compliant. The engine was only four cycles (flights) away from a mandatory 500-cycle inspection limit. If the limit was reached without the repair, the aircraft would be grounded, a disastrous outcome during peak holiday scheduling.
Instead of waiting for a forced grounding, Ibrahim’s team identified a six-hour window in the aircraft’s schedule. They performed the inspection and repair proactively, ensuring the aircraft remained available for service without disrupting the airline’s timetable.
Beyond scheduling pressures, FSEs must contend with the physical realities of winter aviation. Industry reports highlight that “cold soak”, where an aircraft sits in freezing temperatures for extended periods, presents unique mechanical challenges. Oil can thicken, and seals can shrink or become brittle.
According to technical data regarding modern engines like the CFM LEAP, specific warm-up protocols are required to thermally stabilize the engine before takeoff power is applied. Maintenance teams often switch to lower-viscosity fluids and rigorously check breather tubes for ice accumulation. If a breather tube freezes due to condensation, it can pressurize the engine and cause seal failures.
The deployment of these 180 engineers highlights a broader shift in aviation maintenance from reactive repairs to predictive intervention. By utilizing digital tools that monitor engine health in real-time, often referred to as “Flight Deck” principles, engineers can detect vibration trends or temperature spikes before they trigger a cockpit warning.
We observe that this strategy is particularly vital during the holidays. When load factors are near 100%, airlines have zero spare aircraft to absorb a cancellation. The ability of FSEs to turn a potential “aircraft on ground” (AOG) event into a scheduled maintenance task during a layover is the difference between a smooth operation and a headline-making travel meltdown.
All Sleigh, No Delay: How Field Service Engineers Keep Holiday Fleets Airborne
The “Invisible Elves” of Aviation
Operational Wins: The GEnx-1B “Save”
Technical Challenges in Winter Operations
AirPro News Analysis: The Shift to Predictive Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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