Airbus is exploring the setting up of an MRO facility in India, as it looks to support the growing number of aircraft in the country.
Speaking to Flightglobal, Srinivasan Dwarakanath (Dwaraka), managing director of Airbus India says that the airframer is looking at “all areas”, including support packages as well as pilot training.
“With a market share in India of over 70% and with more than 500 aircraft to be delivered, it is in our interests that facilities can cater to Airbus aircraft,” Dwaraka adds.
His comments follow a surge in Airbus' order book, which saw India's largest carrier IndiGo, recent firmed an order for 250 A320neos.
However, Dwaraka says that Airbus does not have a timeline for the set-up of its potential MRO business, and that the company “is nowhere near firming plans”.
But Dwaraka reveals that any possible tie-ups will be with local MRO partners. This differs from rival Boeing, which formerly partnered with Air India at the latter’s Nagpur facility.
On workshare, Dwaraka says that Airbus will look to increase its workshare in India – but refrains from giving specific targets.
“The general trend of aerospace suppliers is a good opportunity for us. We currently have 10 Tier 1 suppliers and will look to grow that number.”
In an earlier interview, Airbus told Flightglobal that its cumulative outsourcing volume from Indian companies will be $2 billion by 2020, up from the current $400 million.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
