MRO & Manufacturing
Haveus Aerotech Upgrades Gurugram Facility for 72 Aircraft Types MRO
Haveus Aerotech enhances Gurugram MRO facility to service 72 aircraft types, supporting India’s growing aviation market and defense sector expansion.
This article summarizes reporting by Business Standard (Press Trust of India) and incorporates supplementary industry market data.
Haveus Aerotech India has officially upgraded its Gurugram facility to provide specialized maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) services for aircraft brakes and wheels. According to initial reporting by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the facility is now equipped to service up to 72 different types of aircraft, marking a significant milestone in localizing critical aviation maintenance.
This development arrives as the Indian aviation sector seeks to reduce its heavy reliance on foreign MRO services. Historically, domestic airlines have outsourced a significant portion of their maintenance work abroad, incurring high logistical costs and extended aircraft downtime.
With India’s commercial fleet expanding rapidly, the push to build robust domestic MRO infrastructure has become an economic imperative. The Gurugram facility’s upgrades represent a foundational step in retaining valuable foreign exchange and streamlining operations for both scheduled carriers and general aviation operators.
The upgraded Gurugram site is designed to handle a diverse array of commercial, regional, and business aircraft. Based on the PTI report published by Business Standard, the facility’s service capabilities cover major manufacturers including Boeing and Airbus. Furthermore, it supports specialized regional and corporate jets such as the Bombardier Q400, Cessna Beechcraft, Embraer Global Express, and the Gulfstream Hawker Series.
By localizing the overhaul of brakes and wheels, components that endure high wear and require frequent servicing, Haveus Aerotech aims to alleviate the cost and time pressures traditionally faced by Indian Airlines.
“The lack of world-class brakes and wheels overhaul and repair facility had resulted in avoidable outgo of valuable foreign exchange…” The localization of aerospace services aligns closely with national initiatives aimed at self-reliance. According to industry market data, the Indian aircraft MRO market was valued at approximately $3.48 billion in 2024. Driven by favorable tax policies, including reductions in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on aircraft components, the market is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.8%, potentially reaching $6.88 billion by 2030.
Ratings agency Crisil has also forecasted that the revenue of the Indian MRO industry will grow by 50% by 2026, fueled by capacity additions from domestic suppliers like Haveus Aerotech. India currently stands as the third-largest civil aviation market globally. Industry estimates project that the country’s commercial aircraft fleet will triple to approximately 2,250 aircraft by 2035. To support this unprecedented growth and the 200 to 300 significant maintenance inspections required annually, India will need an estimated 34,000 new aircraft technicians and 35,000 pilots over the next decade.
“Indian MRO suppliers have good opportunities to grow their market shares over time in both domestic and international markets…” Since the initial announcement regarding the Gurugram facility, Haveus Aerotech has aggressively expanded its operational footprint. In March 2025, the company achieved a major regulatory milestone by securing European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for its facilities in Delhi, Gurugram, and Bengaluru.
By October 2025, Haveus formally entered the defense manufacturing sector. The company was approved as a subcontractor for a leading Defense Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) to manage the assembly and testing of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and conduct non-destructive testing of aerospace components.
In January 2025, the company announced a ₹50 crore (approximately $5.8 million) investment to construct a new MRO facility in Barrackpore, Kolkata. This strategic move is designed to serve domestic airlines operating in Eastern India, as well as aircraft from neighboring nations such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal.
Most recently, in March 2026, Haveus Aerotech received Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approval to expand services at its Bengaluru facility for specialized avionics, and at its Delhi site for temperature-controlled cargo containers.
We observe that Haveus Aerotech’s trajectory from a specialized brakes and wheels repair center to a multi-state, defense-capable aerospace manufacturer mirrors the broader success of India’s aviation localization efforts. The strategic elimination of royalty charges and reduction of GST on components have clearly catalyzed domestic investments.
By securing EASA and DGCA approvals across multiple facilities, Haveus is positioning itself not merely as a domestic alternative, but as a highly competitive regional MRO hub capable of servicing South Asian and Middle Eastern operators. This reduces the logistical burden of shipping heavy components overseas and directly improves airline profitability by minimizing Aircraft on Ground (AOG) time.
What aircraft types can Haveus Aerotech service at its Gurugram facility? What is the projected value of the Indian MRO market? Has Haveus Aerotech expanded beyond commercial aviation? Sources:
Gurugram Facility Capabilities and Fleet Coverage
Extensive Aircraft Support
, Anshul Bhargava, Managing Director, Haveus Aerotech India (via PTI)
The Economic Impact of Localized MRO Services
Market Growth and Revenue Projections
Fleet Expansion and Workforce Demands
, Jonas Murby, Principal at AeroDynamic Advisory
Haveus Aerotech’s Rapid Expansion (2024–2026)
Regulatory Approvals and Defense Entry
Eastern India Investments
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The facility is equipped to provide brakes and wheels MRO services for 72 types of aircraft, including models from Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier (Q400), Cessna, Embraer, and Gulfstream.
Industry data projects the Indian MRO market will grow from $3.48 billion in 2024 to $6.88 billion by 2030, driven by an 11.8% CAGR.
Yes. In October 2025, the company officially entered the defense manufacturing sector, handling the assembly and testing of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for a Defense PSU.
Photo Credit: Haveus Aerotech
MRO & Manufacturing
Hélicoptères Guimbal Launches GrandCabri G5 Five-Seat Turbine Helicopter
Hélicoptères Guimbal announces the GrandCabri G5, a five-seat turbine helicopter powered by Safran’s Arrius 2D engine, targeting service before 2030.
On March 10, 2026, the light helicopter market witnessed a major disruption at the Verticon 2026 expo in Atlanta, Georgia. According to reporting by Helis.com and multiple aviation outlets, French rotorcraft manufacturer Hélicoptères Guimbal officially announced the full-scale development of the GrandCabri G5. This all-new, five-seat, turbine-powered Helicopters is engineered to bridge the gap between the company’s highly successful two-seat Cabri G2 piston trainer and heavier single-engine turbine models.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Hélicoptères Guimbal, a company that has spent the last 15 years building a formidable reputation in the training sector. Industry reports indicate that the GrandCabri G5 has been under secret development for several years. By keeping the project under wraps, the Manufacturers was able to refine its engineering approach and secure critical supply chain partnerships before making a public debut.
Powered exclusively by a new Safran Arrius 2D engine, the G5 aims to redefine the entry-level turbine market. According to comprehensive industry research, the aircraft promises multi-mission versatility, modern safety features, and a spacious cabin, positioning it as a direct competitor to established light turbines and a spiritual successor to retired legacy platforms.
The GrandCabri G5 heavily leverages the engineering foundation of its predecessor. According to Helis.com, the new aircraft retains the core “Cabri DNA,” which includes a crashworthy structure, composite rotor blades, and a shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor for enhanced safety and noise reduction. However, the G5 introduces a four-blade main rotor system, an upgrade from the G2’s three-blade design, aimed at providing a smoother ride and reduced acoustic footprint.
Cabin versatility is a primary focus of the G5’s design. Aviation Week and other industry sources report that the cabin shares the exact height (1.25 meters) and length (2.30 meters) of the retired Airbus H120. To maximize this interior volume, Guimbal engineers intentionally designed highly compact engine and gearbox installations. The aircraft will be offered in multiple configurations, including a high-density five-seat layout and a more spacious four-seat arrangement optimized for VIP transport, law enforcement, or military light observation.
For its first foray into turbine-powered helicopters, Hélicoptères Guimbal has secured an exclusive Partnerships with Safran Helicopter Engines. A press release from Safran confirms that the G5 will be powered by the Arrius 2D, a new 450 shaft horsepower (shp) variant of the proven Arrius 2 family. This engine is equipped with a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, which significantly reduces pilot workload during critical flight phases.
According to Safran’s official specifications, the Arrius 2D will enter service with a mature Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of 3,000 hours. The Arrius engine family boasts over 14 million flight hours across 4,400 delivered units, providing the G5 with a highly reliable Propulsion system from day one. “With the Arrius engine, Guimbal has chosen a proven and reliable propulsion solution…”
The strategic positioning of the GrandCabri G5 is closely tied to historical shifts in the light helicopter market. According to Vertical Mag, the G5 is designed to fill the void left by the Airbus H120 (formerly the Eurocopter EC120), a popular five-seat light helicopter that ceased production in 2017. Notably, Hélicoptères Guimbal founder Bruno Guimbal previously served as the deputy chief engineer on the EC120 program, bringing direct experience to this new endeavor.
Guimbal reportedly envisions the G5 as a “mini H125,” aiming to emulate the high-altitude performance and versatility of the industry-standard Airbus AStar, but at a significantly reduced operating cost. In this space, the G5 will compete directly against the Robinson R66, the Bell 505, and emerging clean-sheet designs like the Hill HX50.
“By listening closely to our customers worldwide, we identified a strong demand for a modern, versatile, and powerful multi-bladed helicopter…”
In a move that bolsters the G5 program’s viability, Airbus Helicopters has taken an undisclosed minority stake in Hélicoptères Guimbal. According to RotorHub International, Bruno Guimbal emphasized that this investment does not alter his company’s independence or corporate governance. Instead, the partnership secures the supply chain for Airbus’s VSR700 naval drone, which is based on the existing Cabri G2 platform and is currently entering serial production.
For Airbus, the G5 serves as a complementary entry-point aircraft that feeds into its heavier civil and military lineup, without requiring Airbus to develop a clean-sheet light single-engine helicopter internally.
“We trust their ability to develop a safe and efficient helicopter.”
Despite the high-profile unveiling at Verticon 2026, Hélicoptères Guimbal has deliberately avoided publishing a strict timeline for the G5’s first flight or European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. According to Flight Global, Bruno Guimbal expressed a strong preference for prioritizing engineering integrity and company independence over arbitrary market deadlines. However, consensus among industry sources suggests that the manufacturer is targeting an entry into service before the end of the decade.
The company’s cautious approach is backed by its historical success. The two-seat Cabri G2, certified by EASA in 2007, has accumulated over 700,000 flight hours across 400 delivered airframes in 40 countries, according to historical data cited by aviation analysts. Guimbal intends to leverage this proven track record to ensure the G5 meets the same rigorous safety and operational standards.
We view the launch of the GrandCabri G5 as a highly calculated and disruptive move within the light turbine sector. By securing a mature, 3,000-hour TBO powerplant from Safran and leveraging the proven crashworthy architecture of the G2, Hélicoptères Guimbal is effectively mitigating the highest risks associated with clean-sheet rotorcraft development. Furthermore, the minority investment from Airbus provides crucial financial and supply-chain stability. While the lack of a firm certification timeline may frustrate eager buyers, Guimbal’s methodical, engineering-first approach is likely to yield a highly refined aircraft capable of genuinely challenging the market dominance of the Bell 505 and Robinson R66.
The GrandCabri G5 is powered exclusively by the Safran Arrius 2D, a new 450 shaft horsepower turbine engine equipped with a dual-channel FADEC system. The helicopter is designed to accommodate up to five people in a high-density layout, or it can be configured for four seats to provide more space for VIP or specialized mission transport.
Hélicoptères Guimbal has not released a strict timeline for certification or first flight, prioritizing engineering quality over rushed deadlines. However, industry estimates project an entry into service before 2030.
Sources:
Design and Specifications of the GrandCabri G5
Engineering Heritage and Cabin Layout
The Safran Arrius 2D Powerplant
Market Positioning and Strategic Partnerships
Filling the Void Left by the H120
Airbus Secures a Minority Stake
Timeline and Future Outlook
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What engine powers the GrandCabri G5?
How many passengers can the GrandCabri G5 carry?
When will the GrandCabri G5 be available for purchase?
Photo Credit: Guimbal
MRO & Manufacturing
HAVELSAN Expands Flight Simulator Production Capacity in Ankara
HAVELSAN starts construction of a new 17,000 sqm facility to produce 30+ flight simulators annually with advanced STARVIEW-B technology by 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from HAVELSAN.
Ankara-based flight simulator manufacturer HAVELSAN has officially broken ground on a major new production and integration facility. According to a company press release, the new site is designed to significantly expand the firm’s manufacturing capacity for both civil and military flight simulators, reinforcing Türkiye’s growing footprint in the global aviation training industry.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the 17,000-square-meter facility drew high-profile attendance, chaired by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He was joined by HAVELSAN Chairman Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, CEO Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, and various senior government and industry officials, underscoring the strategic national importance of the project.
Once operational, the expansion is projected to transform the regional aerospace manufacturing landscape. The company stated that the development will position HAVELSAN as the largest full flight simulator production center across Europe and the Middle-East.
The new Simulator Production and Integration Facility will drastically increase HAVELSAN’s output capabilities. The official press release details that the site will allow the company to produce more than 30 flight simulators annually. Furthermore, the expansive floor plan will enable the simultaneous development of up to 16 simulators at various stages of production and integration.
When combined with HAVELSAN’s existing infrastructure in Ankara, the manufacturer’s total concurrent capacity will reach up to 40 commercial and military simulators under development and operation at any given time. The facility is scheduled to enter service in 2027. According to the company, this expansion is expected to create hundreds of high-skilled engineering and technical jobs in the Ankara region, bolstering the local aviation and defense technology ecosystem.
“The expansion will position HAVELSAN as the largest full flight simulator production center in Europe and the Middle East, reinforcing Türkiye’s growing role in the global flight simulation and aviation training industry,” the company noted in its release.
Beyond sheer volume, the new center will serve as a hub for HAVELSAN’s next-generation simulator technologies. A key highlight from the announcement is the integration of the recently introduced STARVIEW-B collimated display system. Developed entirely in-house by HAVELSAN’s Display Systems team, STARVIEW-B is engineered to deliver high-fidelity visual representation, enhancing pilot immersion and procedural accuracy in advanced training environments.
This technological push aligns with a broader strategy of achieving greater independence in simulator subsystems. The company emphasized that these advancements support its goal of developing globally competitive full flight simulators through its STARLINE FSTD product portfolio. HAVELSAN brings more than 40 years of experience to the table, noting that upon completion of its current backlog, it will have delivered over 400 simulators for more than 60 military and civil platforms worldwide. In recent years, HAVELSAN has actively expanded its simulator production to support the domestic commercial aviation sector. The press release highlights key customers including Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, and the International Flight Training Center (IFTC). Additionally, the company plays a critical role in national aerospace defense initiatives, contributing simulator technology to the HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ, KAAN, and GÖKBEY programs.
We view HAVELSAN’s infrastructure investment as a clear indicator of Türkiye’s broader ambition to localize critical aerospace supply chains and reduce reliance on Western defense and aviation imports. By scaling up to produce 30 simulators annually and developing proprietary subsystems like the STARVIEW-B display, HAVELSAN is not only securing domestic contracts for high-profile programs like the KAAN fighter but also positioning itself as a formidable export competitor in the Middle Eastern and European markets. The 2027 timeline suggests a rapid construction phase, reflecting strong governmental backing, as evidenced by the presidential presence at the groundbreaking.
When will the new HAVELSAN simulator facility open? What will the production capacity of the new center be? What new technologies will be supported at the site?
Expanding Manufacturing Capacity and Infrastructure
Advancing Simulator Technology and National Aerospace
Supporting Domestic and Defense Aviation
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The new 17,000-square-meter facility is scheduled to enter service in 2027.
According to the company, the facility will be capable of producing more than 30 flight simulators annually and developing up to 16 simulators simultaneously.
The facility will support next-generation technologies, including HAVELSAN’s in-house STARVIEW-B collimated display system, designed for high-fidelity visual training environments.
Sources
Photo Credit: HAVELSAN
MRO & Manufacturing
Fokker Services Group Expands Component Support for Air Nostrum CRJ Fleet
Fokker Services Group renews and expands its power-by-the-hour agreement with Air Nostrum to support 30 CRJ NG aircraft through the ABACUS Program.
This article is based on an official press release from Fokker Services Group.
Fokker Services Group (FSG) and Air Nostrum Engineering and Maintenance (ANEM) have officially renewed and expanded their component support partnership. According to a company press release, the Valencia, Spain-based maintenance arm of Airlines Air Nostrum signed a new long-term power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreement to cover its expanding fleet of 30 Mitsubishi CRJ NG aircraft.
This development builds upon a pre-existing support framework between the two aviation entities. We note that the expanded scope aims to enhance operational performance and long-term planning stability for the Spanish regional carrier’s CRJ operations.
The nose-to-tail, full-service agreement will be executed through FSG’s established ABACUS Program. As outlined in the official release, the program is specifically tailored to meet Air Nostrum’s rigorous operational demands.
The ABACUS framework integrates several critical maintenance and supply chain functions. These include component maintenance services, inventory support and leasing, and guaranteed parts availability. Furthermore, the program provides 24/7 operational support designed to bolster fleet reliability while ensuring predictable, flight-hour-based cost controls for the airline’s daily operations.
Both organizations emphasized the strategic value of the renewed Contracts. The agreement is expected to secure continued service reliability and sustainable value for Air Nostrum’s regional network.
“The nature of our business mandates efficiency, flexibility and reliability. Therefore we see great value in the FSG’s ABACUS program and know that their support will help us to provide the highest level of dispatch reliability to serve our customers,” stated Fermin Tirado, Managing Director of ANEM, in the press release.
Dirk Hanenberg, Managing Director of Fokker Services Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaborative nature of the relationship.
“With decades of experience in regional aircraft support, we understand the importance of ensuring component availability at the right time, place and configuration, while continuously enhancing reliability and cost control,” Hanenberg noted in the official announcement.
Air Nostrum operates as the leading regional aviation company in Spain, flying under the Iberia Regional Air Nostrum brand for the Iberia Group. The airline connects 59 destinations across nine countries in Europe and North Africa. According to the provided company data, Air Nostrum operates a total modern fleet of 45 next-generation aircraft, employs 1,600 professionals, and has transported over 115 million passengers throughout its 32-year history. Fokker Services Group operates as an independent aerospace service provider with a global footprint, maintaining facilities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The company specializes in modifications, engineering, component and material services, and airframe maintenance for commercial, VIP, cargo, and defense markets.
Power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreements like the ABACUS program remain a cornerstone strategy for regional airlines seeking to mitigate Supply-Chain volatility. By shifting the burden of inventory management and component repair to specialized third-party providers like Fokker Services Group, carriers such as Air Nostrum can lock in predictable maintenance costs. This predictability is crucial for regional operators operating on tight margins, as it directly correlates flight hours to maintenance expenditures while safeguarding dispatch reliability.
A power-by-the-hour agreement is a MRO contract where an airline pays a fixed rate per flight hour to a service provider. In exchange, the provider covers component maintenance, repair, and inventory support, ensuring cost predictability.
The renewed agreement covers Air Nostrum’s current fleet of 30 Mitsubishi CRJ NG Commercial-Aircraft.
The ABACUS Program is Fokker Services Group’s comprehensive component support solution, which combines maintenance services, inventory leasing, guaranteed availability, and round-the-clock operational support.
Sources: Fokker Services Group
Details of the ABACUS Program Agreement
Leadership Perspectives and Operational Impact
Air Nostrum and Fokker Services Group Background
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a power-by-the-hour (PBH) agreement?
How many aircraft are covered under this specific agreement?
What is the ABACUS Program?
Photo Credit: Fokker Services Group
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