Hyderabad Gets Global Boost as Safran Launches Twin MRO Centres for Civil & Military Jets

The new Safran Aircraft Aero Engine Services India (SAESI) facility marks a historic milestone for India’s aviation sector — the first deep-level global engine servicing hub built outside France. Spread across 45,000 sq metres with an investment of €200 million (₹2,062 crore), the centre positions Hyderabad on the global aerospace map as the new home for overhauling CFM LEAP engines powering Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX fleets.

The facility can overhaul 300 LEAP engines per year, eliminating the need for Indian airlines to send engines abroad — a process that used to take months and significantly increase maintenance costs. The advanced test bench, robotics-assisted workshops and predictive-maintenance systems will accelerate engine turnaround for fast-expanding fleets.

Once fully operational, the MRO hub will employ 1,100 specialists, including aerothermal engineers, avionics experts, turbine technicians and precision assembly professionals. An initial workforce of 250 will begin operations next year, creating a pipeline of long-term high-skill employment.

In addition to the civil-aviation MRO, Safran has begun groundwork for a €40 million (₹400 crore) MRO facility for M88 engines used in Rafale jets. With a capacity to service 600 modules annually and employ 150 specialists, the unit will support India’s combat-air readiness and reduce dependence on foreign maintenance for fighter engines.

Safran CEO Olivier Andriès confirmed readiness for full transfer of fighter-engine technology — exclusively to India — with French government support. The company is set to collaborate with DRDO for co-development of next-generation propulsion systems for the indigenous AMCA stealth jet programme.

Home to 25 major global aerospace and defence companies and nearly 1,500 MSMEs, Telangana has rapidly evolved into a precision-engineering powerhouse. With aerospace exports doubling to ₹30,740 crore in just nine months, the Safran project strengthens Hyderabad’s position as the preferred location for R&D, manufacturing and deep-tech engine services.

The engine-repair ecosystem opens large procurement requirements — from turbine blades, gearboxes and bearings to thermal coatings and electronics. Local manufacturing partners and startups in the Bangalore-Hyderabad aerospace corridor are expected to gain access to global supply chains and vendor-certification programs.

Nearly 85% of India’s MRO work was previously outsourced overseas, costing airlines millions and grounding jets for long periods. With rapid fleet expansion and 1,500 new aircraft on order by Indian carriers, the domestic MRO market is projected to hit $4 billion by 2031 — nearly double global growth rates.

PM Modi highlighted that 40,000 compliances have been reduced and barriers to foreign investment removed in the past decade. India’s aviation fleet has grown 3× faster than the global average, making the country one of the most attractive markets for aerospace manufacturing, assembly and engine innovation.

With multiple global OEMs evaluating India for full-cycle propulsion testing and certification programs, the government is working to establish dedicated facilities for endurance trials, high-altitude simulation, thermal stress testing and noise-compliance checks. Once approved, this will allow aircraft engines to be fully certified within India instead of relying on Europe or the US.