HAL and Airbus will create an MRO facility in Nashik for the A-320 series of aircraft

 HAL and Airbus will create an MRO facility in Nashik for the A-320 series of aircraft

After receiving the necessary DGCA permission, the MRO facility will be operational and prepared for aircraft introduction by November 2024.

A contract to develop maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities for the A-320 family of aircraft in Nashik, Maharashtra, was signed on November 9 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Airbus.

By establishing self-reliance in the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) business in India, this partnership with the biggest European aircraft manufacturing firm would bolster the Made-in-India objective, according to a statement from HAL.

It also said that, upon receiving the necessary DGCA certification, the facility would be operational and prepared for aircraft introduction by November 2024. Once this Nashik facility receives EASA permission in collaboration with Airbus, it should eventually be accessible to the whole Asian area.

The business also said that it hopes to provide integrated maintenance and repair (MRO) services in India and offer commercial airlines a one-stop shop for MRO services at a "one-of-a-kind" facility there.

As part of the partnership, Airbus will provide HAL with the A320 family toolkit and specialized consultancy services so that HAL can set up an MRO facility for A-320 aircraft. According to HAL's stock market filing, the agreement between Airbus and HAL would assist meet the rising demand for MRO services in India and develop the commercial fleet, particularly the A-320 aircraft.

"HAL aims to create a comprehensive maintenance and repair (MRO) hub within the nation and offer airlines an efficient MRO solution." The 'Make-in-India' initiative of the Indian government and the civil-military convergence are also in line with this move by HAL, according to Saket Chaturvedi, CEO (MiG Complex), HAL.

President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia Remi Maillard emphasized that Airbus is dedicated to supporting the expansion of India's aviation industry as well as the development of a robust MRO infrastructure, which is a vital component of this ecosystem.

The statement went on to say that the partnership between HAL and Airbus aims to significantly reduce lead times, enhance turnaround times, and lower MRO expenses, all of which will increase the fleet's availability for flight operations.