World’s Largest Aircraft Engine MRO Company Safran Opens Facility in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: In a historic boost to India’s aviation sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engines Services India (SAESI) facility in Hyderabad. The unit, established by French aerospace and defence giant Safran, marks the world’s largest aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

This landmark project significantly strengthens India’s position as a global MRO hub and represents a major step toward self-reliance in the aviation industry.

First Global Engine Manufacturer to Set Up MRO Facility in India

The SAESI facility is Safran’s dedicated MRO centre for LEAP engines, which power some of the world’s most popular aircraft—Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. This is the first time any global aircraft engine manufacturer has established an MRO unit in India, marking a milestone in the nation’s aviation journey.

Spread across 45,000 square meters inside the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park-SEZ, the unit has been built with an initial investment of ₹1,300 crore. By 2035, it will be capable of servicing 300 LEAP engines annually and creating over 1,000 high-skilled jobs for Indian engineers and technicians.

Advanced Testing Centre and High-Skill Jobs by 2035

The facility will also house a next-generation testing centre, enhancing India’s technological capabilities. The project includes:

• Initial investment: ₹1,300 crore
• Initial staff: 250 employees
• Jobs to be created by 2035: 1,100 high-skilled positions
• Annual servicing capacity: 300 LEAP engines

M88 Engine MRO Workshop Also Launched

Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for Safran’s first MRO workshop outside France for the M88 military engines, which power the Rafale fighter jets. This workshop includes an additional investment of €40 million (approx. ₹400 crore).

Spread over 5,000 square meters, it will handle 600+ engine modules annually, boosting India’s defence MRO capabilities.

PM Modi highlighted that Safran is now the first global OEM to establish both commercial and military aircraft engine MRO facilities in India.

“India Is Dreaming Big and Performing Big” – PM Modi

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister said the investments will help India evolve into a global MRO hub. He encouraged Safran to explore further opportunities in:

• Aircraft engine design
• Component manufacturing
• Aerospace propulsion technology

“We are dreaming big, working big, and delivering the best,” PM Modi said, emphasizing India’s long-term vision for aviation and defence manufacturing.