PM Modi Virtually Opens Safran Aircraft Engine Services India Facility in Hyderabad!

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 in Hyderabad. He described the launch as a major milestone in India’s aviation journey, marking the country’s emergence as a significant global hub for aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services.

During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that the facility will create substantial employment opportunities, particularly for young professionals aspiring to build careers in advanced aerospace technologies. He noted that Safran’s leadership had expressed strong confidence in India’s economic trajectory during their discussions on November 24, adding that the company’s continued investments in India reflect long-term trust in the country’s capabilities.

The Prime Minister highlighted that India’s aviation sector has grown rapidly in recent years, making it one of the fastest-expanding domestic aviation markets. With increasing travel demand and substantial fleet expansion, India now ranks among the top three domestic aviation markets globally. Airlines in the country have already placed orders for more than 1,500 new aircraft, further underscoring the need for a robust domestic MRO ecosystem.

He pointed out that nearly 85 percent of India’s aircraft maintenance work was previously carried out overseas, leading to higher costs and extended downtime. The establishment of a world-class MRO hub within the country represents a crucial step toward self-reliance in aviation maintenance. The Safran facility marks the first instance of a global aerospace engine manufacturer setting up deep-level engine servicing capabilities in India—a development that significantly strengthens the nation’s technical infrastructure.

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted that Safran’s training programs, technology partnerships, and collaborations with Indian academic and technical institutions will play a vital role in developing skilled talent for the industry. These initiatives, he said, would not only strengthen the aviation sector but also create opportunities for expanding similar capabilities in the maritime domain.

He encouraged Safran to explore possibilities for aircraft engine design and component development within India, noting the strong potential offered by India’s MSMEs and highly skilled engineering workforce. He expressed confidence that India’s innovation-driven talent pool, combined with Safran’s global expertise, could enable future propulsion system development in the country.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving ease of doing business, the Prime Minister highlighted key reforms such as reducing compliance burdens, liberalizing foreign direct investment norms, implementing GST, and modernizing tax and labor frameworks. These measures, he said, have positioned India as a globally competitive destination for manufacturing, technology, and investment.

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi stated that investing in India is both strategically and economically sound—calling it “the smartest business decision of this decade.” He congratulated Safran and all stakeholders involved in establishing the Hyderabad facility. The event was also attended by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Union Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, and other dignitaries.

Safran Aircraft Engine Services India will focus on servicing LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines used in Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Spread over 45,000 square meters and built with an initial investment of approximately ₹1,300 crore, the Hyderabad center is among the world’s largest engine MRO facilities. By 2035, it is expected to service up to 300 engines annually and employ more than 1,000 skilled engineers and technicians, equipped with state-of-the-art systems for high-precision aircraft engine maintenance.