Strengthens Base and Line Maintenance facilities across the network to achieve self-
reliance in fleet maintenance
Will create job opportunities for skilled engineers across the country
Setting up Basic Maintenance Training Organisation in Bengaluru to ensure inflow of
trained personnel for aircraft maintenance and engineering activities
GURUGRAM / BENGALURU, 04 September 2024: Air India Group today announced the
commencement of construction of a mega Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, at
a groundbreaking ceremony in Bengaluru, reiterating its commitment to building a strong self-
reliant aviation ecosystem for India.
The upcoming MRO facility, being built on a 35-acre land parcel at the Bangalore International
Airport will become an important hub for Air India group airlines’ aircraft maintenance operations
in the region, as the airline modernizes its fleet and expands its global operations.
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Ms Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for
Industrial Development & Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of
Karnataka, Mr Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited
(BIAL), Mr Chin Yau Seng, CEO, SIA Engineering Company, along with a senior leadership team
of India leadership.
Earlier this year, Air India had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Government of Karnataka to establish MRO facilities in Bengaluru. Air India has also signed an
agreement with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to be its strategic partner for the
development of this MRO facility.
Ms Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of
Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka, said, “It is heartening to see the quick
turnaround that Air India has made in starting work for the MRO. This is not only a milestone for
Indian aviation, which is growing at a rapid pace, but also for the state of Karnataka, which is
taking a lead in the aviation sector with Bengaluru set to emerge as an important global aviation
hub in the coming years.”
Mr Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, “India’s
aviation sector is on a growth trajectory and Air India is playing a leading role in this. The
Bengaluru MRO facility is coming up at an opportune time to help strengthen India’s aviation
ecosystem, while enhancing our in-house capabilities to maintain our fleet. This is a step ahead
in our mission to make Air India a world-class airline.”
Mr. Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited
(BIAL), said, “We are pleased to welcome the establishment of Air India’s MRO facility at
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru. As we work towards developing the Airport
into a major aviation hub, this marks an important step towards strengthening the fleet
maintenance capabilities and infrastructure offering. This development will not only enhance
regional connectivity and drive economic growth but also create valuable opportunities for
local talent and businesses, reinforcing Bengaluru’s position as an important player in the
aviation ecosystem.”
Once completed, the MRO is expected to generate over 1,200 new job opportunities for skilled
aviation engineers in India, and support over 200 SMEs in Karnataka through an enhanced
supply chain. These new ventures are projected to create further employment opportunities,
strengthening the MRO ecosystem in the state. The MRO will also support Air India’s plans to
make Bengaluru as one of its key hubs, boosting direct connectivity to global destinations.
The upcoming MRO will feature a mega hangar to accommodate wide body and narrow body
aircraft under a single roof for Base Maintenance. The facility’s capacity will be further expanded
to include additional hangars for servicing more aircraft, including paint hangar. Equipped with
latest aircraft maintenance technology, including overhead tele platforms, cranes, universal
docking systems, and the largest vertical lift hangar doors in the country, this MRO facility will
be setting a new standard in aviation maintenance at par with any MRO in the world.
The Bengaluru MRO facility, expansion of in-housed Line Maintenance (routine maintenance of
aircraft in operation) facilities across the network, and the recently refurbished wide body aircraft
hangar in Mumbai, will make Air India more self-reliant in the maintenance of its entire fleet from
2025.
Air India also plans to build a new wide body hangar in Delhi to cater to Line Maintenance
requirements. This will help develop a complete maintenance ecosystem at all major airports.
Air India is also ensuring availability of trained type-rated personnel for maintenance function of
different type of fleet by obtaining approval for CAR-147 for its training academy.
Besides, Air India plans to open a Basic Maintenance Training Organisation (BMTO) in 2025, in
Bengaluru, to ensure continuous inflow of trained personnel for aircraft maintenance and
engineering activities. This will create opportunities for engineering students to receive training
to become type-rated engineer for certification.
Air India, in recent times, has strengthened its operational capabilities through strategic
agreements, including the 12-year Inventory Technical Management (ITM) agreement with
SIAEC to support its Airbus A320 family fleet, improving component reliability and support. The
airline has entered into a multi-year agreement with Lufthansa Technik for Total Component
Support (TCS) for its Boeing 777 fleet and secured a long-term agreement with Honeywell for
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) aftermarket support for both existing and new fleet. These
partnerships will not only enhance its maintenance and operational efficiency but also ensure
high reliability and availability of its operating aircraft
