Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Inauguration of Safran Aircraft Engine Services India Facility
On November 26, 2025, Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the world's largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility by France’s Safran in Hyderabad, India. This facility focuses on LEAP engines, which are modern and fuel-efficient engines powering narrow-body aircraft.
Key Highlights of the Inauguration
- PM emphasized the need for ‘Design in India’ across various sectors, leveraging the country's extensive MSME network and young talent pool.
- Safran Aerospace was encouraged to utilize India's capabilities for aerospace propulsion design and manufacturing.
India's Economic Reforms and Investment Climate
- India aims to attract global investment, with reforms allowing 100% FDI through automatic routes in many sectors.
- In sectors like defense, 74% FDI is possible through automatic routes.
- Production linked incentive (PLI) schemes are drawing global manufacturers towards Make in India.
- Significant reduction in company compliances and decriminalization of business-related provisions.
- The introduction of the National Single Window System and reforms like GST and new labor codes have streamlined governance.
India as a Manufacturing Hub
India is emerging as a trusted partner and a major market. It is seen as a smart business decision due to its rapid growth, stable government, and large domestic market. Investors are considered co-creators in India’s development journey.
Details of the Safran Facility
- The facility spans 45,000 sqm with an initial investment of ₹1,300 crore, located at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in Hyderabad.
- It aims to position India as a global MRO hub, creating opportunities in the aerospace sector.
- India's domestic aviation market is now the third largest globally, increasing the need for domestic MRO facilities.
- The facility is designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually and will employ over 1,000 skilled technicians and engineers by 2035.
Challenges and Government Initiatives
- Currently, 85% of India's MRO work is conducted abroad, leading to increased costs and downtime.
- The government aims to develop India as a major MRO hub to address these challenges.