Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at Hyderabad’s GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park, marking a major milestone for India’s aviation sector.
Speaking at the launch, the Prime Minister said the new centre would strengthen India’s position as a global hub for aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), while also creating opportunities for young professionals in aerospace engineering. He congratulated Safran’s team and expressed confidence that the company’s investment in India will continue to grow.
India’s Aviation Growth Story
- India has emerged as one of the fastest‑growing aviation markets worldwide, now ranking as the third largest domestic market.
- Rising passenger demand has led Indian airlines to place orders for more than 1,500 new aircraft.
- With this expansion, the need for local MRO facilities has become critical. Currently, a large share of India’s MRO work is carried out overseas, resulting in higher costs and longer turnaround times.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is committed to building India into a leading global MRO destination, reducing dependence on foreign facilities and boosting efficiency for airlines.
Safran’s Role in India
Safran’s Hyderabad facility will:
- Service LEAP engines that power Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
- Train and employ over 1,000 skilled engineers and technicians by 2035.
- Handle up to 300 engines annually once fully operational.
- Transfer global expertise to Indian institutions, helping build a strong talent pipeline.
The Prime Minister also encouraged Safran to explore design and manufacturing opportunities in India, highlighting the country’s MSME network and young workforce as valuable partners.
Reform and Investment Climate
PM Modi noted that India’s economic reforms — including FDI liberalization, GST rationalization, faceless tax assessment, new labour codes, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code — have made governance more transparent and business‑friendly.
He underlined that investors in India are seen not just as financiers but as co‑creators in the nation’s development journey. “India is proving that betting on India is the smartest business decision of this decade,” he said.
Background
- The SAESI facility spans 45,000 sqm with an initial investment of ₹1,300 crore.
- It is the first deep‑level servicing centre in India set up by a global engine OEM.
- The project supports the government’s vision of Aatmanirbharta (self‑reliance) in aviation, reducing foreign exchange outflows and strengthening supply‑chain resilience.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Union Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu were among the dignitaries present at the event.
