Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility in Hyderabad, marking a defining moment for India’s aviation industry. The new center, dedicated to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of LEAP engines, is expected to transform India into a global hub for advanced aircraft servicing.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, was attended by Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and senior officials from Safran and GE Aerospace. Modi, addressing the event virtually, described the facility as a “new flight for India’s aviation sector,” underlining its role in strengthening self-reliance and global competitiveness.
A Landmark Investment
The SAESI facility represents a ₹1,300 crore investment by Safran, one of the world’s leading aerospace companies. Once fully operational in 2026, the center will be capable of servicing up to 300 LEAP engines annually. These engines, produced by CFM International—a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines of France and GE Aerospace of the United States—power some of the world’s most popular aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.
Beyond its technical capacity, the facility is expected to generate over 1,000 highly skilled jobs, offering opportunities for Indian engineers and technicians to work at the cutting edge of aerospace technology.
Strategic Significance
This is the first time a global engine manufacturer has set up an MRO operation in India, a move that carries immense strategic importance. Until now, Indian airlines had to send engines abroad for servicing, incurring high costs and long turnaround times. With SAESI in place, carriers will benefit from faster, more cost-efficient maintenance, strengthening their operational reliability.
India’s aviation market is among the fastest-growing worldwide, with domestic airlines having placed orders for more than 1,500 new aircraft in recent years. The presence of a world-class MRO facility within the country will not only support this expansion but also reduce dependence on foreign infrastructure.
PM Modi’s Message
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India’s aviation sector is “taking a new flight with confidence and ambition.” He noted that the facility aligns with the government’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, while also reinforcing the country’s role in global supply chains.
Modi highlighted the government’s approach of treating investors as “partners in progress”, stressing that ventures like SAESI are not just about capital inflows but about co-creation of value and knowledge transfer.
Boost to the Ecosystem
The SAESI facility is expected to deliver multiple benefits to India’s aviation ecosystem:
- Reduced Costs: Airlines will save significantly by avoiding overseas MRO centers.
- Skill Development: Indian engineers will gain hands-on expertise in advanced aerospace technologies.
- Global Recognition: India will join the select group of nations hosting major engine servicing hubs.
- Sustainability: Localized servicing reduces logistical challenges and carbon emissions linked to international transport.
Hyderabad’s Advantage
Hyderabad’s selection as the site for SAESI underscores Telangana’s growing reputation as an aerospace and defense hub. The GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park offers world-class infrastructure, while the state government has actively promoted investments in aviation and defense. This synergy made Hyderabad a natural choice for Safran’s expansion.
Looking Ahead
By 2026, when the facility reaches full capacity, India’s aviation sector will have a powerful new backbone. The collaboration between Safran, GE Aerospace, and Indian stakeholders is expected to create a ripple effect—encouraging further investments, strengthening domestic capabilities, and positioning India as a global aviation hub.
For Prime Minister Modi, the inauguration is more than a ceremonial milestone. It symbolizes India’s broader ambition to “dream big, act boldly, and deliver globally.”
Conclusion
The inauguration of the SAESI facility in Hyderabad is a turning point for India’s aviation industry. With its scale, investment, and strategic importance, the center will not only support India’s rapidly expanding fleet but also showcase the country’s ability to host world-class aerospace infrastructure.
By combining foreign expertise, local talent, and government vision, SAESI represents a decisive step toward India’s emergence as a global leader in aviation services. As the engines serviced here take flight across the world, they will carry with them the story of India’s rising capabilities and aspirations.