By Youssef Yahya 
Is India on the cusp of becoming a major player in the global aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market? As aircraft and engine manufacturers like Rolls-Royce consider setting up local facilities, the landscape of India’s aviation sector could undergo significant transformation. This article sheds light on Rolls-Royce’s plans, the burgeoning Indian aviation sector, and how the two could create a win-win situation.
Open to Indian MRO Facility
Engine manufacturing titan Rolls-Royce has expressed explicit interest in establishing an MRO facility in India. The company’s management believes that the surging Indian aviation market might offer a compelling business case for such an endeavor.
Kishore Jayaraman, the President of India and South Asia for Rolls-Royce India, elaborated on the complexities involved in an interview. He said, “These are very expensive propositions. The investment for MRO facilities involves a broad spectrum of considerations, from infrastructure to skilled labor.” Therefore, a thorough feasibility study would precede any commitment.
The Allure of Aircraft Numbers in India
India’s booming aviation industry has seen a meteoric rise in the number of aircraft in the last decade. The significant revamp planned for Air India and IndiGo’s aggressive expansion have stimulated discussions on localized aerospace facilities.
The recent engine order from Air India to Rolls-Royce has served as a catalyst for the company’s renewed interest in India. The order comprised 68 Trent XWB-97 engines, making it the largest order for this type of engine. “This is an enormous milestone, not just for Rolls-Royce but potentially for the Indian aviation market as well,” added Jayaraman.
The Global Footprint of Rolls-Royce’s MRO Facilities
Rolls-Royce has a strong global presence in MRO operations with facilities in strategic locations like Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. Yet, its interest in India is newly sparked by multiple factors, including government policies and a booming aviation sector.
“In the past, the absence of efficient MRO services forced many Indian airlines to send their aircraft abroad for maintenance, driving up costs,” Jayaraman said. A local facility would be a game-changer, not just for Rolls-Royce but for the entire Indian aviation sector.
India’s MRO Policy Landscape
The Indian government is keen on expanding its minuscule share in the global MRO market. Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has recently introduced several policy changes to make India a more appealing investment destination. These include increased land allotment for MRO projects and more flexible regulations to facilitate ease of doing business.
Scindia is pushing for a paradigm shift from the current 2.5% share that India holds in the $80 billion global MRO market. The goal is to entice global aerospace companies like Rolls-Royce to make long-term investments in India.
The Future of MRO in India: What Lies Ahead
The entry of Rolls-Royce into India’s MRO sector would undoubtedly mark a significant milestone. However, the success of such an initiative would depend on a myriad of factors, such as market demand, skilled labor, and cost-effectiveness.
“India’s aviation sector is on an upswing. The 100-engine order from Air India is just the tip of the iceberg. We foresee tremendous growth in the wide-body engine market in India,” Jayaraman stated, suggesting a positive outlook for the future.
Could Rolls-Royce’s entry be the tipping point for India’s MRO market? With a booming aviation industry and favorable policies in place, India could very well become an MRO hub, attracting other global players in the near future. What are your thoughts on Rolls-Royce possibly setting up an MRO facility in India? Do you think it’s a significant development for India’s aviation industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’
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Mohammed Rizwan
Well Delhi based Indian Airlines had a successful Engine shop for the fleet of A320/ V2500 powerplants and at one time a JV with RREK looked promising -Oh wait RR sold off its V2500 part of the business!