Air India’s Strategic Expansion with New MRO Facility in Bengaluru
The Air India Group has initiated a significant expansion by starting the construction of a new multi-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport. This strategic development, marked by a ceremony on September 4, 2024, attended by top executives and local dignitaries, underscores the airline’s commitment to enhance its operational efficiency and self-sufficiency as it prepares for future growth and modernization. The facility, sprawling over 35 acres, promises to be a cornerstone in servicing the fleets of not only Air India but also Vistara post their upcoming merger.
In a pivotal move earlier in the year, Air India partnered with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC), tapping into their expertise for the development of this state-of-the-art facility. The MRO, upon completion, is expected to create over 1,200 skilled job opportunities and bolster over 200 SMEs in Karnataka, enriching the local economy and supply chain ecosystem. The facility is designed to feature a ‘mega hangar’ capable of housing both widebody and narrowbody aircraft simultaneously, a feature that will significantly boost the airline’s maintenance capabilities.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as overhead tele-platforms, cranes, universal docking systems, and the largest vertical lift hangar doors in India, the MRO sets a new benchmark in aviation maintenance. This facility is not just a building; it’s a leap forward in Air India’s commitment to excellence and reliability in the aviation sector.
Enhancing Training and Development
Apart from the infrastructural development, Air India is significantly investing in the future of aviation maintenance personnel. Slated for 2025, the opening of a Basic Maintenance Training Organisation (BMTO) in Bengaluru is aimed at nurturing a steady stream of qualified engineers. This initiative will offer engineering students a pathway to become type-rated engineers, a critical step towards certification and career advancement in the aviation industry.
The company is also seeking CAR-147 accreditation for its training academy, which will expedite the training process, ensuring that new engineers are ready to join the maintenance teams promptly. This educational advancement aligns with Air India’s strategic vision to not only enhance its operational capacity but also to contribute to the broader aviation sector in India.
Leadership and Governmental Support
Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka, highlighted the project as a milestone not only for Indian aviation but for the state of Karnataka. He emphasized that this development is poised to affirm Bengaluru’s position as a significant global aviation hub in the foreseeable future.
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, remarked on the timeliness and strategic importance of the Bengaluru MRO facility. He expressed that this facility is crucial in strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem and enhancing Air India’s in-house capabilities to maintain its fleet, echoing the company’s mission to ascend as a world-class airline.