Safran Engineering is setting up its biggest maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad, investing up to $200 million in the MRO facility. The facility will be able to handle up to 300 engine shop visits annually.
The MRO facility will service the Leap-1A and Leap-1B engines, which comprise the largest chunk of Indian airlines’ orderbook. The construction will start in 2023 and the company hopes to receive its first customer in 2025. Currently, Safran’s largest MRO facilities are in its headquarters in France and in Mexico.
CFM Engineering, a joint venture between Safran and American engineering giant GE, makes the CFM56, Leap-1A and Leap-1B that power most of the Airbus A320s and the Boeing 737s in India. There are currently 600 CFM engines powering 330 passenger aircraft flown by six airlines in India.
Recently, Safran inaugurated two subsidiaries – Safran Aircraft Engines and Safran Electrical & Power India Pvt. Safran Aircraft Engines will produce components and parts such as rotating seals for aircraft engines. Safran Electrical & Power India will make harnesses for civil and fighter jets.
The French engine-maker is also planning to form a joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bengaluru which will make rigid piping for aircraft engines including helicopter engines.
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