Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park SEZ near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. During the event, he stated that the launch marks a major milestone for India’s aviation sector, positioning the country as an emerging global hub for aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the facility will generate new employment opportunities, especially for young professionals aspiring to work in advanced aerospace technologies. He noted that Safran’s leadership had expressed strong confidence in India’s growth potential during discussions held on November 24, and he expressed optimism that the company’s investments in India would continue to scale up.
Prime Minister Modi pointed out that India’s aviation sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, making the country one of the world’s fastest-growing domestic aviation markets. He added that India now ranks among the top three domestic aviation markets globally, with rising travel demand and significant fleet expansion by airlines. Indian carriers have already placed orders for more than 1,500 new aircraft.
Emphasizing the need for self-reliance in MRO services, the Prime Minister noted that nearly 85 percent of India’s maintenance operations were previously carried out overseas, resulting in higher costs and longer aircraft downtime. He said that with growing domestic demand, the government is focused on creating a strong MRO ecosystem and viewed the Safran facility as a landmark development—the first time a global aerospace engine manufacturer has established deep-level servicing capabilities within India.
Prime Minister Modi said Safran’s training programs, technology partnerships, and collaboration with Indian academic and technical institutions would help develop skilled manpower and accelerate growth across the aviation value chain. He added that India aims not only to lead in aviation maintenance but also to expand similar capabilities across the maritime sector.
The Prime Minister encouraged Safran to explore opportunities for aircraft engine design and component development in India, noting the role of India’s MSMEs and youthful talent base in supporting high-end manufacturing. He expressed confidence that India’s engineering capabilities, combined with Safran’s expertise, could pave the way for future propulsion system development within the country.
Highlighting India’s reform-oriented economic environment, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to improving ease of doing business and attracting global investment. He pointed to key reforms, including reducing compliance burdens, liberalizing foreign direct investment norms, implementing GST, and modernizing taxation and labor frameworks. He stated that these reforms have positioned India as a competitive destination for global manufacturing and technology.
The Prime Minister concluded by affirming that investments in India are both strategically sound and economically rewarding, calling it “the smartest business decision of this decade.” He congratulated Safran and all stakeholders involved in establishing the Hyderabad facility. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Union Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu attended the ceremony along with other dignitaries.
Safran Aircraft Engine Services India is dedicated to servicing LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines used in Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The Hyderabad facility is among the world’s largest engine MRO centers and marks the first time a global OEM has established such an operation in India.
Spread across 45,000 square meters, the facility has been built with an initial investment of approximately ₹1,300 crore. Once fully operational by 2035, it will be capable of servicing up to 300 engines annually and employ more than 1,000 skilled technicians and engineers. The center will house advanced equipment for high-precision and world-class engine maintenance.
The MRO facility is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s self-reliance in aviation maintenance, reducing foreign exchange outflow, generating high-value employment, strengthening supply chains, and positioning India as a global aviation hub. Policy measures—such as the National Civil Aviation Policy (2016), updated MRO Guidelines (2021), and recent GST reforms—have further streamlined regulatory processes and reduced financial burdens for MRO operators.
