Mro In Nagpur

MRO in Nagpur: Boeing makes the announcementSaturday, April 15, 2006 Nagpur: International aircraft manufacturing company has announced that its management has in principle decided to build a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility here.Boeing Vice President Dinesh Keshkar made the announcement to this effect here last night.Keshkar said about 100 million dollars would be spent on the training for pilots.

Aviation job market set to take off in Hyderabad30/10/08 Hyderabad: Airlines might be on a cost-cutting binge but not everyone connected with skies is going to lose jobs! In fact, the skies are literally opening up with huge job opportunities for skilled technicians.With the country's first foreign-owned airport maintenance facility to take off from the third quarter of next year in the city, the stage is set for a massive recruitment of 1,500 to 2,000 engineering graduates and diploma holders in the coming days. This is because Malaysia Airlines and GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), who had entered into an MoU in August this year for setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, are now ready to spread their wings even further."The proposed MRO centre will handle all types of aircraft from light jets to A-380. Already 70 engineers are getting trained in Malaysia. We'll recruit at least 300 more in our initial recruitment phase and a total of 1500 to 2000 when operations start full swing," says A Vishwanath, chief commercial officer of GHIAL. Sources reveal salaries for fresh engineering graduates might be between Rs 20,000-25,000 post training and between Rs 10,000-15,000 for diploma holders.Despite unfavourable market conditions in the airlines industry, the Indian MRO sector (estimated at $800 million) is being taken seriously.Earlier this year, Ernst & Young stated the Indian aviation sector was slated to draw an investment of over $120 billion by 2020. With the government allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment in MRO facilities, analysts expect large investments to flow into this sector. "India is a key geographical hub and lower labour costs are spurring the growth of the industry. Not just in Hyderabad, Air India and Boeing are reported to be negotiating the equity structure of the proposed MRO joint venture in Nagpur too," adds Arora of KPMG.

Boeing MRO unit in Nagpur to create 3,000 jobsThursday, April 13, 2006

Mumbai: The US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has zeroed in on Nagpur as the site for its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base in Asia. An announcement is likely to be made by the month-end.In mid-April, James McNerney Jr, chairman, Boeing, is expected to visit India to choose a site for the project, in which, the company may invest $100 million.Besides Nagpur, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and even Gwalior had thrown their hats in the

ring for the project.But with the civil aviation minister Praful Patel as well as the Boeing vice-president Dinesh Keskar favouring Nagpur, it is most likely that the decision maybe in favour of the orange city.Sources added that despite being approached by other states, the company has been negotiating with the Maharashtra government alone and the only site that they have visited is Nagpur.Sources say that the Boeing MRO may create around 3,000 highly paid jobs in the immediate vicinity and generate another 30,000 jobs indirectly.

Boeing MRO at Nagpur on track Sunday, February 01, 2009

Nagpur: Aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Friday revealed that it was firm on its commitment to invest $100 million in the Nagpur Special Economic Zone and has signed a lease agreement with the developer of the SEZ, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), for allotment of 50 acres of land. Boeing intends to set up a maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, a first of its kind for India, at the SEZ.Boeing’s Vice-President (sales) Dinesh Keskar said that the deal should put to rest all speculations about the Boeing MRO at Nagpur. The Seattle-based company had first evinced interest in setting up the MRO at Nagpur in 2006.However, as there was little progress after the announcement by the Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MADC R C Sinha, there were rumours about Boeing having abandoned the project.A local organisation Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED) moved the High Court for clarification from the authorities on the issue.Expressing concern over the developments and the lack of clarity, the High Court had appointed an Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) to talk to Boeing on the matter and coordinate with the multiple agencies involved in the deal. Keskar explained the delay in signing the lease deed as the time required to finalise tie-ups. He said that the aircraft major expected to have the facility up and running by 2010. A former student of the city-based Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Keskar said that Nagpur was a logical choice for setting up the MRO base as the climate here suited such an endeavour. The generally dry weather of Nagpur was ideal for aircraft overhauling as parts do not corrode in a climate virtually without any humidity. Apart from this, Nagpur is the only airport in the country, which has an SEZ next to it.

Boeing signs land lease agreement for MRO in NagpurSaturday, January 31, 2009

Nagpur: US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has signed the much-delayed lease agreement with Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) for setting up a USD 100- million maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility here.The facility is a joint venture between the aerospace major and national carrier Air India, while MADC, a

government agency, has provided the land."We have finally signed the necessary papers to live up to the promise made in 2006 that Boeing will have its world's second MRO with Air India as partner in the city," Boeing Senior Vice-President Dinesh Keskar said."Hopefully, the facility would be functional by end of 2010." The 99-year lease agreement is for 50 acres of land located adjacent to the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport under the prestigious Multi-modal International Passenger and Cargo Hub, Nagpur (MIHAN) project, he said.By end of the current fiscal, Boeing will float tenders for constructing hangars which will accommodate two wide-bodied or four medium-bodied aircraft for maintenance and repairs, Keskar said.Boeing had decided to set up the MRO in Nagpur as there is ample availability of manpower and land. Most importantly, the weather conditions in the city are excellent for aircraft maintenance and repair works, the official said.

Air-India to pick up stake in Nagpur MROWednesday, September 13, 2006

Mumbai: National flag carrier Air-India is all set to pick up stake in the proposed $100 million maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility of the US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing Company in Nagpur.Air-India's stake in the facility will be in the form of contribution of its engineering assets and infrastructure located at its base in Mumbai as well as its human resources.The airline will hire an independent firm to value its engineering infrastructure and human resources to ascertain the proposed stake in the MRO project.Sources said Air-India would pick up a substantial stake and be a major shareholder in the project next to Boeing. Boeing is also planning to induct a technological partner into the project.A delegation from Boeing is expected this weekend to finalise the particulars of the Nagpur project.

Boeing to set up $100-m MRO hub in NagpurFriday, April 21, 2006

Mumbai: The American aircraft manufacturer Boeing will set up its $100 mn maintenance repair overhaul (MRO) hub in Nagpur. “The company has conveyed its decision to us. The work now shall begin soon,” RC Sinha, MD, Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), nodal agency for developing multi-modal cargo hub at Nagpur, told ETon Thursday.The government has allotted 120 acres adjoining the airport and the special economic zone (SEZ) for what will be the first Boeing unit in India. A high-level team from Boeing led by vice-president Dinesh Keskar was in Nagpur last week. The decision was taken following the visit.The company would spend $185 mn on MRO and allied activities of which the investment in the first

phase would be around $100 mn. Boeing will also invest $75 mn in an aviation academy in the city to train pilots.This was a commitment as part of a deal with Boeing worth Rs 45,000 crore for procuring aircraft for India’s domestic and international carriers.The other states vying for the project were Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior)-which is willing to give land free to Boeing-Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala (Kochi).21

Duke Aviation launches India's first independent MRO Facility in Nagpur Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Mumbai: Duke Aviation Engineering Pvt Ltd, India's first independent MRO facility provider, today announced the official launch of its MRO facility in MIHAN-SEZ, Nagpur. Mr. SC Jamir,Honourable Governor of Maharashtra laid the foundation stone of the facility in a ceremony that was held today signifying the beginning of construction. Other dignitaries present at the function were Mr. Praful Patel, Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Anees Ahmed, State Textiles Minister, Mr. Gopinath Munde, General Secretary, BJP, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, BJP State President and Mr. R C Sinha, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, MADC.Duke Aviation is the first company in India to launch an independent state of the art MRO facility being established in the SEZ of MIHAN at Nagpur that will offer end-to-end services to aircraft operators. While its first facility will be functional by early 2010, the remainingfacilities will be fully functional in coming 24-36 months.Duke Aviation has been allotted 36.5 acres of land for the project by Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) and will invest close to USD 145.840 million (Rs 725 crores). The facility is expected to create more than 400 jobs by 2012.Commenting on state of the art facility, Mr. Ajit Karnik, MD & CEO, Duke Aviation Engineering Pvt Ltd said, "Due to lack of appropriate facilities in India, today aircraft operators depend on foreign agencies for aircraft heavy maintenance and servicing. Our strategy is to provideone-stop-shop at very competitive man-hour rates, as any savings on this front will translate into profits for these operators.""Currently we have based our financial model on domestic market but since India is a convenient and cost efficient location for operators in Europe and Asia Pacific, we will also be catering to these geographies," Mr. Karnik further added.Mr. Stanton Dodson, Chairman of Duke Aviation & Founder and Managing Partner of Duke Equity said, "Duke Equity, sister concern of Duke Aviation, along with the promoters and other high networth individuals will be investing 50% in Duke Aviation and rest will come through term loan."In 2004 the global MRO industry stood at $37 billion and is expected to reach $41.8 billion by end of 2009. The Asian MRO industry is growing at the rate of 5.7 % and is expected to reach about $14 billion by 2013. Of total airline expenditure, aircraft operators spend almost 13% onaircraft maintenance and servicing.

Air India to have 2nd highest stake in Nagpur MRO Sunday, September 17, 2006

Mumbai: National carrier Air India on Saturday said it intends to have the second-highest stake in the Nagpur maintenance repairing overhaul (MRO), proposed to be developed by the US airplane manufacturer, Boeing.Following a 68-airplane order placed by Air India including 777S, 737S and 787S in December 2005, Boeing, as a part of the commitment, had announced the setting up of the regional maintenance and repairing facility in Nagpur at an investment of USD 100 million."We are very keen to take part in the Nagpur MRO and will put forward a proposal, but nothing has been finalised yet," Air India Chairman and Managing Director V Thulasidas told reporters here."We are yet to take a final call as to how much stake we will have in the venture, but surely, that will be the second-highest after Boeing itself," he said.

Air India plans MROs in Delhi, NagpurSunday, August 26, 2007

New Delhi: National carrier Air India will have two maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities for its aircraft, one in Nagpur and the other in Delhi.The two state-owned carriers, Air India and Indian Airlines, are being merged to form the new Air India. Before the merger, Indian Airlines had ordered 43 Airbus aircraft for its fleet, while Air India had opted for 68 Boeing aircraft. Air India's $100 million (around Rs 400 crore) MRO in Nagpur for servicing Boeing aircraft has been on the cards for long. Now, a second one is slated to come up in Delhi. The finer details are being worked out by the merger consultant, Accenture.Industry sources said the Delhi facility could be dedicated for the repair and maintenance of Airbus aircraft.The jet engine overhaul centre at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is spread over an area of 140,000 square feet and undertakes repair and overhaul of aircraft engines. Sources said that an additional area of 60,000 sq metres would be needed to upgrade the facility to an MRO.The Boeing Company had also named Nagpur as the location for its planned regional MRO facility.

Airbus to tie up with HAL for MRO at Nashik: Praful Patel Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Nagpur: Airbus is likely to enter into a tie-up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for setting up a $100 million maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Nashik in Maharashtra, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said."They (Airbus) want to have a tie-up with HAL and the latter has two bases, one at Bangalore and in Nashik and we have requested Airbus to select Nasik, which will be convenient to both," Patel said in Nagpur on Monday.

Another aircraft manufacturing major Boeing has already signed a MoU with Maharashtra government and state-owned Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) for setting up a MRO in the city.Nashik would be an ideal location to decongest the Mumbai-Pune industrial belt, Patel said.

Wipro set to enter JV with Boeing for MRO pie Monday, August 13, 2007

New Delhi: Wipro Technologies is shoring up opportunities in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business with the US-based Aviation major Boeing.Wipro Technologies will be providing software tools and technological support to carry out an array of aircraft checks and maintenance programs in Boeings MRO facility, which is slated to come up in Nagpur, Maharashtra.Boeing has already signed an MOU with the national carrier Air India to develop an airframe MRO. The JV of Air India and Boeing is also on a lookout for another partner with hardcore with MRO experience.Boeing has announced to invest 100 million dollar into the Nagpur MRO facility in India. "25 per cent of 100 million dollar will go in setting up IT services applications. That's the piece we are looking at," says Partha Sarthi Guha Patra, Vice President Strategic Initiatives and Offset Programs.

Air India to partner Boeing in Nagpur maintenance unit Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Air India will be an equity partner in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility being set up

by international aircraft manufacturer Boeing in Nagpur. The search for a third partner in the venture is on.“We’ve sent a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Boeing, but the exact nature of holdings will be worked out later,” said V Thulasidas, chairman and managing director of National Aviation Company of India Ltd. at the launch of Air India Express’s maiden Nagpur-Dubai flight on Monday. Boeing had announced setting up of the Rs500-crore MRO facility last year, as part of the Rs45,000-crore 111-aircraft deal with Air India.Nagpur is now connected to two gulf cities — Doha and Dubai — through Qatar Airways and Air India Express, India’s low-cost international carrier. Described as “Nagpur’s double delight”, the flights were inaugurated on Monday. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel flagged off the Nagpur-Doha flight.

Boom town Nagpur Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Nagpur: Nagpur is poised for the big leap. A recent Jones Lang LaSalle report puts the city along with Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Indore and Kolkata as the best Tier III cities in India.On August 29, the global aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing signed a MoU with the state government for setting up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Nagpur.Close on its heels, the domestic carrier Indian will set up a freighter hub that will envisage conversion of existing 737 aircraft into freighters in phases.In sync with development is the growing air connectivity of the city.The city airport, elevated to the international status last year, now has some domestic services and a couple of international flights.Low cost carrier Air Deccan started its flights to Nagpur from Mumbai last year, while Air Sahara began its services from New Delhi and Hyderabad recently to tap the potential and cater to the ever-increasing demand.Jet Airways and Indian were the only operators earlier.

Government approves handing over of Nagpur Airport to JVC for setting up Multi Modal International Passenger and Cargo Hub Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Government today approved the handing over of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport,

Nagpur to a Joint Venture Company (JVC) comprising of Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) Ltd., with 49% and 51% equity respectively, for upgradation of the Airport to a world class Multi Modal International Passenger and Cargo Hub in accordance with the MoU signed on 18th December 2006. AAI has been permitted to invest an amount of Rs. 4.90 crores in the equity of the JVC.AAI will hand over all assets to MADC by 28 February, 2009.Government of Maharashtra (GoM) had proposed to develop a world class Multi Modal International Passenger and Cargo Hub airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) integrated with the existing Nagpur airport. A high level Steering Committee was constituted for this project wherein the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Airports Authority of India (AAI) were also represented. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the nodal agency for the project, got a Techno-Economic Feasibility Study (TEFS) conducted for this project through a consortium of Consultants led by M/s. L&T Ramboll Consulting Engineers Ltd., Chennai under the guidance of the Steering Committee.Consultants were of the opinion that Nagpur has very good potential for becoming an international hub airport.Some of the other salient features of the project as envisaged by the Consultants are:-(i) The airport will be backed up by many economic value addition activities and all of them including the airport will be covered by a Special Economic Zone spread over 2453 Ha of land.(ii) Some of the value addition activities include: Inland Container Terminal, Truck Terminal, Financial Institutions within an international environment, repackaging and similar activities, Convention and Exhibition Centres, etc.Boeing Company has announced its decision to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Boeing aircrafts at Nagpur airport with an initial investment of about US$ 100 million for

which the site has also been identified within the existing airport.International airlines have been encouraged to operate from Nagpur and at present five international flights per week are operating from this airport. Indian Air Force has 278 hectares of AAI’s land in its possession, which they wish to shift to a new site conditional upon the creation of infrastructure and a new runway. They have also requested for 400 hectares in lieu of 278 hectares for their Gajraj project.The Government of Maharashtra has formed Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) for implementing MIHAN project as well as other airport projects in the State. GoM has also requested MoCA to hand over Nagpur airport to MADC for the development of MIHAN.The request of GoM to hand over Nagpur airport for development of MIHAN was examined. It was observed that:(i) Nagpur is geographically centrally located and as such best suited for development of hub airport. Its location on the international flying routes is also conducive to such development.(ii) Major national highways are crossing Nagpur such as highways between Delhi and Chennai and between Mumbai and Kolkata. Main railway lines are also crossed at Nagpur and, therefore, it is ideal for setting up of an International Airport hub. Such a multi-modal hub will ensure transshipment of passengers and cargo between different modes of transport, i.e. rail to road, road to rail, surface to air etc. Its integration with international passengers and cargo air facilities would make it advantageous and cost effective for development of transport.(iii) Vidarbha region is lacking industrial development. Government of India and GoM has been taking various steps for encouraging industrial and infrastructural development in this region. Development of MIHAN at Nagpur is expected to impart a greater thrust in achieving this socio-economic objective of the two Governments.(iv)The proposed international hub to emerge as a leading international tourist gateway for India. Opening up of a number of tourism circuits, specially for adventure, wild life and Buddhist tour circuits.(v) Nagpur is located between Dubai and Bangkok. A five-hour fly zone between which no airport hub is located. Internationally, there are clusters of hub airports within one or two hours of fly zone. Many smaller countries around India have successfully set up major hubs are drawing huge transit traffic.(vi) Nagpur Airport is a consistently loss making airport. In 2003 it incurred a loss of Rs. 1524.00 lakhs, in 2004-05 it incurred a loss of Rs. 2918.72 lakhs, in 2005-06, Rs. 2439.53 lakhs loss and 2006-07 the loss amounted to Rs. 1545.27 lakhs. Since with comprehensive development, the composite project is likely to generate an IRR of 14%. The proposal is also economically justified.The Government had earlier considered this matter on 17 January, 2008 and accorded “in principle approval” to the proposal with the directions that:* The Indian Air Force (IAF) will continue to use its existing facilities in Nagpur till appropriate alternative arrangements are put in place and any transfer of IAF land to the JV will take place only with the concurrence of the Ministry of Defence.* Authority of a Committee comprising of Cabinet Secretary, Finance Secretary, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra will examine the financial structure of the proposed JV and related issues.The Committee in its meeting of 11 March, 2008 decided that a revised Techno Economic Feasibility Study Report (TEFS) be prepared on updated projects expenditure and revenue since the earlier report had been prepared in 2001. As per the new TEFS, the domestic air traffic at Nagpur Airport will grow at a rate of 18% p.a. between 2008-10, at the rate of 15% till 2015 and gradually taker off to 3% by 2035-40. The International air traffic which is currently is negligible, it is expected to increase very rapidly while

the growth of cargo movement is expected to be around 12.5% p.a. over the next 30 years. It has also been proposed that the project shall be developed in three phases: first phase from December, 2008 to December, 2011, second phase: April 2021 to April 2023, third phase to April 2033 to April, 2035. Other significant revisions are; advancing the time of construction of a new 4 kilometer long runway from 3rd phase to 1st phase: postponement of construction of new terminal building to 2nd and 3rd phase due to recent expansion and modification of the existing terminal by AAI. The project cost estimates have been revised by applying a graded rate of escalation of 5%. The total capital cost of the project over the project period is, now estimated to be Rs.3327.50 crores. This also includes the cost of land acquisition, re-habilitation and shifting of IAF assets.

Boeing to get 40-acre land in Nagpur Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Nagpur: Aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing will be given 40 acres of land in Nagpur for the first phase of development of its proposed maintenance, repairs and overhaul (MRO) hub for south-east Asia.The company has asked for 70 acres of land for the project besides uninterrupted supply of power and clean water, according to Ramesh Yaul, general manager, Maharashtra Airports Development Corporation.Yaul said MADC had identified two sites for Boeing's proposed MRO: one in the city's Somalwada area and the other in Kalkuhi. The company had to make the choice now, he said.MADC itself would not be able to ensure uninterrupted supply of power and water for the next three years, Yaul said.

The great Nagpur boom Sunday, March 18, 2007

New Delhi: Spurred on by the Multi-modal International Hub Airport at Nagpur, the city is turning hungry for commercial and residential spaces.The city of Nagpur is literally the centre of India and this strategic location is the reason why the Multi-modal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) might be very successful.Proof of this can already be seen in the interest shown by global aviation major Boeing for setting up its $100 million regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for its aircraft. This is expected to create upto 3,000 highly paid jobs and another 30,000 jobs indirectly.Ask anyone from the city and they will tell you both MIHAN and the Boeing MRO are fuelling the real estate growth in the city — commercial, retail and residential.What were open fields around the MIHAN periphery are still open fields but ownership has shifted to local and national developers.According to estimates, land in a radius of about 20-25 km around MIHAN has been acquired already by various small and big investors. Pankaj Roshan, of Roshan Real Estate, says international real estate funds (British and Indonesian realty funds) too are looking for big land parcels of 150 acres and above, in

and around Nagpur city.According to Knight Frank, two-third of the new supply in the city is concentrated in the south-eastern zone due to large township projects planned in this part, as well as the upcoming cargo hub.

Aviation mechanics course at UoPTuesday, August 14, 2007

Pune: To cater to the needs of a booming aviation sector and to provide more skilled manpower, the University of Pune (UoP) will soon be starting job-oriented courses in aviation mechanics as part of its “community college” scheme.The concept of community college refers to colleges offering certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in technical or adult education. The UoP also plans to launch community colleges for various other disciplines for students from the lower economic strata.The decision to start with a course in aviation mechanics was taken after considering the rising demand for technical experts in aviation in the state, especially with aviation giant Boeing investing over.$ 100 million to set up a multi-million dollar Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Nagpur. “There is now a high need for skilled personnel in the aviation sector,” said Vice Chancellor Narendra Jadhav.While the modalities of the course are still being worked out, Jadhav said part of the course would involve basic training provided at the UoP. “We are now trying to tie-up with Boeing’s partner company in the US, so that students can spend one year at the community college in Seattle,” said Jadhav.Students who have passed standard XII will be eligible for the course, and will be chosen on the basis of their scores in mathematics and science. Jadhav said the course was likely to start within six months. “If all goes well, the first batch of aviation mechanics course would be held between January and June 2008,” he said.

Air hub project staying in Nagpur: MADC chief Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Nagpur: Brushing aside all doubts over the Multimodal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project, Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) Managing Director R C Sinha has said no experts can wish Nagpur away as the chosen destination for India’s international air passenger and cargo hub.Sinha was reacting to The Indian Express report last week about MIHAN being mired in doubts in the light of the report by a Planning Commission expert committee headed by former member Anwarhul Hoda that New Delhi should be the ideal choice for setting up the international air hub of the country. Talking to The Indian Express, Sinha said, “Nagpur as the international air hub has been okayed by the Union Cabinet and has been announced on the floor of Parliament. No expert

opinion can now influence any change in it. Any expert saying anything now doesn’t hold much water.”Asked why then all the proposed projects are hanging fire, Sinha said, “that’s because of the general slowdown, not because there is any doubt over Nagpur’s choice.” About Boeing not yet starting work on its proposed Manintenace, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) depot, Sinha said, “that too is because of the global economic slowdown. And I can appreciate that. They, however, are committed to starting it at Nagpur and there is no reason why anyone should doubt that.”

Nagpur stakes claim to lead boomtown pack Thursday, May 04, 2006

Nagpur: Once relegated to second-grade status after ceasing to be the capital of the erstwhile CP and Berar Province, Nagpur is on the upswing.The city is now fast shaping up into a hurricane of development. At the centre of it all is a Rs 3,000-crore Multimodal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) that will feed a Rs 10,000-crore Special Economic Zone. IT leaders like Satyam, L&T Infocity and Shapoorji Pallonji have already bought over 250 acres in MIHAN’s proposed SEZ.About 1,500 of the required 3,500 hectares have already been acquired for MIHAN. An international school is coming up soon, an ultramodern airport with a capacity to handle 10,000 people has been envisaged and a 100-MW captive power plant is set to come up.The first international flight started here last year when Air Arabia launched its Nagpur-Sharjah flight.Last week, the Indian Airlines started its own international flight from here to Bangkok.But the real booster came recently when Boeing chose it for its proposed about Rs 500-crore Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

Wild animals a menace for Nagpur airport Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Nagpur: The orange city’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, spread over an area of 1460 acres, is home to wild animals - neelgais, cheetals and wild boars, to name a few. While the bird-hits are a rare phenomenon, animals straying onto the runway are a routine - a menace that airport authorities have got tired of.With about a third of the airport area under thick forest cover, authorities have long been pleading with the forest department to help them tide over the menace of wild animals. “It’s a crime to kill these animals, but they could pose a threat to the flights, as on Monday,” said an official in the Air Traffic Control.The Monday’s dramatic bird-hit incident that forced the Jet Airways flight carrying

the Australian and Indian cricket teams to Mumbai, has already set the airport authorities moving on a plan to clear the vastly spread airport area of the wild grass around the operational area.“We’ve floated the tenders and the process of weeding out the grass from the runway has begun,” airport director Suresh Borkar told DNA.

NGO to market Nagpur airport project Monday, January 21, 2008

Nagpur: A few days after the union cabinet decided to upgrade the Ambedkar International Airport here to an aviation hub, a city-based NGO has unfolded a plan to promote the project.The Maharashtra Airport Development Co (MADC) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will jointly develop the Multi-modal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN).The Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council, the NGO that fought a legal battle for the expeditious transfer of the airport to the state-owned company, would hold a MIHAN expo here in partnership with global business consultants Deloitte Touch Tohmatsu in November, VED president Vilas Kale told IANS.Though VED is not directly involved in implementing the project, it has received several inquiries and proposals from investors and business consultancy firms abroad because it has been working closely with MADC.'Many overseas industrial business firms have shown interest to set up their units in the MIHAN special economic zone (SEZ). We hope to convert that interest into investment,' Kale said.

'Flights to southern metros from Nagpur soon' Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Nagpur: Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel is now keen on getting Nagpur connected with southern metros of Chennai and Bangalore with direct flights. "I am talking to a couple of airlines to start direct flights to the two southern cities. I am hopeful that something works out in the next two months," said Patel.He also announced that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be visiting Gondia on February 9.Talking to reporters at the airport, he said the airport modernisation work currently underway will be completed by March. The aviation minister dashed to the city to attend a wedding on Monday evening and hurriedly returned after an hour as he had to catch a flight to Davos from Mumbai.

Expressing satisfaction with the Union cabinet decision on airport transfer, Patel said no time should be wasted now in putting the joint venture company of Maharashtra Airport Development Company and the Airports Authority of India in place.

Nagpur-Mumbai air traffic down by one-third Monday, July 28, 2008

Nagpur: According to Airport Authority of India's (AAI) latest figures, traffic on Nagpur-Mumbai sector has dropped nearly 35% since June 2008.The number of people travelling daily between the two cities has declined from about 1000 in June to just 650 this month.The sector had seen phenomenal growth earlier. From just two airlines (Then Indian Airlines and Jet Airways) operating flights on Mumbai-Nagpur-Mumbai sector in 2002 the number had grown to five (Air India, Jet, Kingfisher, Deccan and Indigo) by October 2008. On certain days there were as many as seven flights between two cities. Most of them having above 80% passenger load factor.Kingfisher Airlines that had started daily morning evening flights on Nagpur-Mumbai sector cut fares to as low as Rs 2,100/-. Low-cost carriers were charging as little as Rs 1599/- during the period. This was the period when Nagpur witnessed real aviation boom.Then crude oil went through the roof taking Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) with it. The airlines responded by raising fares and passenger loads dropped. Kingfisher has discontinued operations to Mumbai following poor passenger response. Jet Airways has suspended its evening operations for the same reasons.The full service airlines now charge a minimum of Rs 3,725/- for Mumbai while low cost ones ask for Rs 3,250/- and above. Air tickets, that were once competitive with AC II tier fares on trains, now exceed even AC I.

Aviation MRO segment poised to grow Monday, March 16, 2009

As a support service to the aviation industry, India’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair &

Overhaul) segment is estimated to grow at 10 per cent and reach $1.17 billion by 2010 and $2.6 billion by 2020, according to Changing Dynamics, a study on India’s aerospace industry undertaken jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry and PricewaterhouseCoopers.The globalisation of MRO services, manpower cost arbitrage, the availability of talent, locational advantages and the presence of specialist capabilities all combine

to make India a potential global/regional MRO hub, the study observes.The MRO manpower costs in India vary from $30 to $35 per hour which is almost 60 per cent cheaper that that in Western Europe and the US though not significantly lower than the manpower costs in other Asian countries such as China and Indonesia.Another advantage for India has been its large pool of technical manpower. There is a shortage of skilled workforce in developed countries as the existing workforce is ageing while new talent is not becoming available.Indian MRO companies can also leverage the country’s inherent geographic advantage of being located between Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Currently there is not a single MRO active in the area falling within a five-hour flying zone of India. India’s domestic market being substantial, right now the domestic carriers are required to go to either Dubai or Singapore.

Bombardier likely to come up with MRO facility in India Saturday, October 18, 2008

Hyderabad: Upbeat over growing demand for regional jets, Canada-based Bombardier said that it was considering options for establishing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities in India.

HAL plans MRO at old Bangalore airport with Rs 120 crore Thursday, July 31, 2008

Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) is looking at setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility to leverage its Bangalore airport asset, which is now closed to commercial aircraft.Along with the MRO plan, HAL is also combing across its business segments to expand revenue to make up for the loss in earnings from airport operations. The airport revenue, in the region of Rs 250 crore, is not a significant portion of the over Rs 8,500-crore entity, but it is by no means small enough to be glossed over.HAL director (planning) M Fakruddin said the profitability from the airport business was very healthy. “We will look at expanding revenues from our existing line of businesses,” he told ET . HAL is in advanced stages of finalising a joint venture partner who will bring the licence for civil aircraft maintenance. Budgeting an investment of Rs 120 crore, the scalable model will start with two hangars with a capacity to handle 50 aircraft per annum.HAL is also advancing on its plans to create a civil aircraft that is in the 100-seater configuration.

In fact, it is collaborating with National Aerospace Labs on the concept for design and manufacture of a regional jet. The Rs 2,000-crore plan will pit HAL against global aircraft manufacturers such as ATR, Embraer and Bombardier.

India can become an MRO hubWednesday, September 12, 2007

India could soon emerge the civil aviation maintenance, repair and operations

(MRO) hub for Asia-Pacific. With the Indian market growing at around 8% annually, the civil aviation ministry is expected to actively pursue foreign investment in MROs, so large deals and joint ventures with global aviation majors may be expected soon.The entire Asia-Pacific aircraft and engine MRO market totalled $ 8.71 billion in 2005 and is estimated to touch $12.90 billion in 2011. Many foreign as well as Indian companies are looking to set up MROs in India. In recent months, three different joint ventures between Indian companies and foreign companies like Airbus, Boeing and SIA Engineering have embarked upon setting up MROs. It is learnt that Global Vectra, the second largest helicopter operator in India, plans to set up an MRO facility in Mumbai.The government will consider the allocation of land for hangars, reasonable and realistic lease rentals, long-term lease periods, and revoking royalty on aviation activities to encourage the creation of MRO hubs in the country. It would also consider outsourcing line maintenance by domestic and international airlines to MROs. Greenfield and modernisation projects of existing airports will also have provision for hangars and space for MROs.

MADC gets environment clearance for Nagpur power plant Friday, December 26, 2008

New Delhi: Maharashtra Airport Development Company Ltd (MADC) has obtained the environment clearance for its proposed power plant at Nagpur.Maharashtra government-owned MIDC would invest Rs 349.20 crore to build the coal-based captive power unit. The company is dealing with Airports Authority of India (AAI) is developing the country's first multi-modal international cargo hub and airport in Nagpur."Due to the letter of comfort given by the Maharashtra government that coal shall be met from the coal allocation made by the coal ministry, the environment clearance is being issued as a special case to the proposed power plant. This may

not be quoted as a precedence for other projects as ministry by and large doesn't issue environmental clearance without firm coal linkage," an environment and forest ministry official said.The proposed power plant of 100 megawatt by MIDC has so far no direct coal linkage. The plant will get coal from Wardha Valley Coalfields and will have a maximum sulphur content of 0.45% and ash content upto 40%. The proposed multi-modal air cargo hub aims at taking advantage of the central location of Nagpur. The project consists of two parts namely international airport to act as a cargo hub and a special economic zone with residential zone covering a total area of 40.25 square kilometre.

UBM Aviation hosts MRO leaders Thursday, February 26, 2009

Mumbai: Despite the current economic squeeze on the aviation community, international airline capacity to and from India continues to rise: up by 7% for February 2009 compared with the same month last year. Is the region seeing the same trend in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector? The annual Airline engineering & maintenance conference for the Indian Subcontinent, produced by Aviation Industry Conferences, part of UBM Aviation, will provide a focused forum for delegates with business interests in the region to learn from industry experts with specialist knowledge of the Indian market.Mr. B.P. Baliga, vice-president support services at Jet Airways in India, will chair the two-day conference which takes place on April 7 and 8. The program will address developments in the Indian MRO industry with an in-depth look at issues and trends facing airlines and suppliers in the region.Confirmed speakers include Pulak Sen, Editor-in-Chief, Indian Aviation, plus senior representatives from AirWorks India; U.S. FAA; Engine Alliance; Airbus; SpiceJet; MTU and OAG Aviation.

HAL finalises partner to set up MRO business Sunday, July 13, 2008

Bangalore: The public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which had a sales turnover of more than $2 billion in 2007-08, will soon sign up with a partner for the setting up of its long-awaited, full-fledged commercial aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business. This could happen in “a month or two,” according to the HAL sources.The sources said that an American company, a worldwide leader in the commercial

aviation MRO business, had agreed to partner the HAL in the $75-million venture. Said an official: “Final talks on sewing up the partnership are going on, we shall make an announcement soon.”The HAL is likely to contribute 45 per cent of the required capital with the American company putting up the rest.The American company has been chosen after the HAL evaluated offers from a handful of major commercial aircraft MRO players, including Singapore Airlines, Germany’s Lufthansa and Israeli’s Bedek Aviation.The MRO will be equipped to service both the Boeing and the Airbus families of commercial aircraft. And will be operable for both wide-bodied and single-aisle aircraft. The HAL expects sufficient business opportunities at the MRO with around 25 to 30 aircraft being serviced during the initial years of operation. It will also be looking to ramp up the two-bay hangar MRO to a four-bay hangar operation in the next phase.

Boeing to begin work on MROTuesday, July 31, 2007

New Delhi: US aircraft maker Boeing today said it will this year begin work on its 100 million dollar MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility in India, while raising the projection for the country's requirement for jets to 911 in the next two decades."We have figured out the corners of the 75 acres of land in Nagpur in a Special Economic Zone. We will do the ground-breaking later this year and have a projected investment of 100 million dollars," Boeing Vice-President (Sales) Dinesh Keskar told reporters here.Boeing, Air India and a third partner - which is yet to be selected - would run the MRO unit, he said, adding "we are in talks with several companies which have MRO experience".The MRO, which will be capable of carrying heavy checks and repair of aircraft, is part of the offset provisions in the US firm's deal to supply 68 planes to Air India.Keskar said the MRO would bring down maintenance and repair cost of Indian carriers as it would not only serve AI, but also other carriers which operate Boeing planes in India.

Kingfisher, Deccan to set up MRO facility in Bangalore Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Mumbai: Air Deccan and Kingfisher would set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Bangalore, Air Deccan Managing Director GR Gopinath said here."Besides Air Deccan and Kingfisher aircraft, the MRO facility would take care of third-party maintenance work of the world," Gopinath said on Sunday night at the renaming Air Deccan to Simplifly Deccan here.In the next 5-10 years, there would be at least 500 aircraft and 1,000 helicopters flying in India, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said. Patel was the chief guest for the function."A whole array of aviation work is going to be created in India. Aviation would create 3 million jobs," he said.UB Group Chairman and promoter of Kingfisher Airlines Vijay Mallya said low-fares of Simplifly Deccan would continue. Vijay Mallya owns 46 per cent in Deccan.

Indian plans MRO unit Friday, April 20, 2007

Hyderabad: Indian will set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in the upcoming Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad near here.The company has signed a lease agreement with GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), which is taking up the international airport project.Indian will create an MRO facility at Shamshabad by transferring its existing operations at the Begumpet Airport. It would commence operations around the time the new airport goes operational in March next.The present facility in Begumpet airport handles the initial maintenance checks including C-Checks on Indian Airlines'Airbus-320 aircraft. The Indian Airlines will render similar service to its aircraft as well as those belonging to Air India at the new facility, a press release said.

AI, Boeing MRO pact likely in 3 months Thursday, June 19, 2008

Air India and Boeing, according to industry sources, are seeking a majority stake in

the proposed maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) venture that is supposed to come up at Nagpur.The two firms are yet to find a third partner for the JV, sources said. Lufthansa Technik, Essar Group and SIA Engineering are said to be in the running.Also, the memorandum of understanding may be signed within three months.

However, Jitendra Bhargava, executive director, corporate communications, Air India, told DNA Money, "All we can say at this moment is that we are making a steady progress. I regret we cannot share any more details on the MoU till it is finalised or sealed."Once operational, the venture will be able to undertake the entire range of MRO activities, including structural repairs and interior modifications to aircraft.Industry sources estimate Boeing's investment in the MRO venture could go up to $185 million. The aircraft manufacturer, say analysts, is keen on taking advantage of India's rising MRO requirement.

Emerging Trends in the Asian Aircraft Engine MRO Market Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Frost & Sullivans Aerospace & Defense Practice in Asia Pacific

(http://www.aerospace.frost.com) will host an analyst briefing webinar on the Asian Aircraft Engine MRO market on October 26th, 2006, at 14:00 hrs (GMT+08:00hrs) Singapore time.The aviation industry in Asia is positioned to adorn a new outlook with China and India predominantly to lead and lock shoulders with other international MRO players in the near future.With Asian countries especially China and India actively involved in fleet expansion and engine procurement the Aircraft Engine MRO business structure module is set to undergo enormous expansion and modifications making it efficient to not only be self reliable but globally dependable. A great deal of investment opportunities will be available for the international communities as the aviation industry is forecasted to show a rapid growth in the coming decade.

Boeing MRO deal by month-endMonday, April 10, 2006

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is expecting to finalise by April end, the Rs450-crore ($100 million) deal for setting up the Maintenance, Repairs and Overhauling (MRO) facility of The Boeing Company in Nagpur.A senior government official, on condition of anonymity, said, “The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Boeing, Alan Mullaly, is likely to arrive in Mumbai between April 13 and 15. But, the final announcement will be made in Seattle.”The government has allotted 120 acres of land adjoining the airport and the special economic zone (SEZ) for what will be the first Boeing unit in India.The other states

vying for the project are Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior)—which is willing to give land free to Boeing—Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala (Kochi).

Patel flays doubts on Boeing MROMonday, June 26, 2006

Nagpur: Civil aviation minister Praful Patel today dismissed speculations about shifting of the much-talked-about maintenance repair overhaul (MRO) base project of aircraft major Boeing from the city to other states.“There is no question of shifting of MRO of boeing from the city to other states although some states were vying to bag the project but boeing vice-president Dinesh Kesar had made a formal announcement here sometime back, laying to rest all speculations,” Patel told reporters here.The Seattle-based aircraft manufacturer had committed to set up a MRO in India as part of their commitment in lieu of procurement of aircraft for domestic carrier Indian and international carrier Air-India, Patel said.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Jet sets aside $60 m for its MRO Mumbai: Jet Airways has earmarked an investment of $60 million for its much-awaited maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, which is likely to come up at Bangalore, a senior airline official said.The other locations being considered are Delhi and Nagpur."Among the three, Bangalore looks more likely," said the official, who preferred anonymity. The MRO will be spread over an area of 25-50 acres of land and will carry out maintenance work of the airline's fleet as well as third party works. It will be capable of carrying out maintenance work of both Airbus and Boeing aircraft."The first priority of the MRO will be the airline's fleet, but it will also carry out third party works," the official said.The MRO, to be built on joint venture basis, will have a foreign partner who the airline is yet to decide on.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Govt readies plan to promote MRO facilities

New Delhi: The government is preparing a road map to woo more aviation majors like Embraer and Boeing to set up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft in the country. Official sources told FE that the civil aviation ministry was looking at actively pursuing foreign investment in MROs.The sector can expect certain policy initiatives to augment the industry’s proposals in the current Plan, they said, adding that mega deals and joint ventures with global aviation majors can be expected soon.In recent months, three different JVs between Indian companies & foreign companies like Airbus, Boeing and SIA Engineering have embarked upon for setting up of MROs. Global Vectra, the second largest helicopter operator in the country, is also planning to set up a MRO facility at Mumbai. The Indian MRO market is growing at about 8% annually and the Asia-Pacific aircraft and engine MRO market is estimated to touch $12.90 billion by 2011.According to the Planning Commission outsourcing of line-maintenance by domestic and international airlines to MROs should be allowed. Green field projects and modernisation projects of existing airports should ensure hangars and space for MROs. Location being an important factor, an aircraft MRO should be located at an airport and it must have hangars large enough to accommodate the type of aircraft meant to be repaired or overhauled.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

NACIL and EADS venture to set up MRO in India Hyderabad: The National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL) and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) today signed a joint venture agreement to set up an aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Hurdles in Boeing's taxiway Mumbai: Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has promised to complete its $100-million maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Nagpur by 2010-end but the project, which has been delayed by two years, is still not out of the woods.The company recently signed a lease agreement for 50 acres of land in Nagpur SEZ with its developer, Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). But it will need a taxiway from the Nagpur International Airport to the MRO site to tow aircraft to and from hangars.Boeing vice-president (sales) Dr Dinesh Keskar hoped MADC would build the taxiway so that the project is completed on time. The problem, though, is the MADC cannot build the taxiway because the airport is owned by the Airports Authority of

India (AAI). Aviation sources said the only way is for AAI to build the taxiway from the airport to its boundary and for MADC to then build the taxiway up to the MRO site in the SEZ.In 2006, Boeing agreed to set up the facility as part of a 68-aircraft deal with Air India. Nagpur was the preferred choice for mainly to suitable climate and central location. All that was needed was land along the airstrip at the airport, but it took two years for the company to get it.Boeing agreed to alter its original plan and move the MRO facility to the SEZ after MADC decided to set up an international cargo hub at Nagpur. But Boeing insisted on a taxiway to the airstrip, which MADC had promised.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

India’s aviation services at DWCAC

Livewel Aviation Services will invest $80 million in a 23,960 square metre maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility within Dubai World Central Aviation City’s area, to become operational by 2009.“India’s expertise in the $41 billion global MRO market is highly respected worldwide and our agreement with Livewel will bring in the right resources, and personnel to this region,” said Abdulla Al Qurashi, CEO, DWC Aviation City.DWC Aviation City will be the region’s premier centre of excellence for aviation manufacturing, MRO, aviation support services and consultancy, research and development, training, aviation products and parts and high tech industries.Livewel’s facilities will carry out aircraft heavy maintenance for wide and narrow bodied type of aircrafts. The MRO will employ approximately 500 aviation professionals during the first year of operations and will cater to customer airlines within Middle East, India and Europe.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Aircraft maintenance has $1-bn business potential in India

Singapore: Indian aviation industry may be going through turbulent weather, yet experts see a growing potential for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) segment of the industry, with projected revenue of $1.07 billion by 2013.Many companies, including Boeing in a tie-up with the state-run Air India, have announced joint ventures in MRO business and others are waiting in the wings for the government to address some tax issues to jump into the market, the experts

added.Speaking during an MRO Asia symposium here, C.S. Tomar, vice president of engineering and maintenance for Kingfisher Airlines, said the MRO market in the country was currently valued at $405 million with a potential for $1.6 billion by 2018."It makes economical sense for us to set up an MRO facility," Sitham Nadarajah, vice president for technical development with Jet Airways, told IANS. "With volumes increasing, we will be looking at D-checks for narrow bodied aircraft like Boeing-737s."The D-checks are done on aircraft every four-five years, during which the aircraft is completely stripped, checked and then restored.With India's current fleet of 907 including helicopters, business jets and 395 commercial aircraft, it makes a business case for the MRO industry, the experts said, adding some issues remained to make it a more viable proposition.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

GVK set to tie up with HDIL in airport project

GVK, the company managing Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL), is close

to finalising Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL) as its partner for the airport slum rehabilitation project.The project envisages the rehabilitation of 85,000 families on 276 acres, or 1.2 crore sq ft, of land.Both MIAL and HDIL are in the process of concluding an agreement, sources from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said.MMRDA is the nodal agency for the survey and rehabilitation of slum- dwellers."They are negotiating on the structure of the deal and profit-sharing ratio," said sources close to HDIL.An MIAL spokesperson said: "We have received Expression of Interest (EoI) from four developers. We are in talks and will be announcing the partner soon," he said.HDIL managing director Sarang (Sunny) Wadhawan refused to comment.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Hindustan Aeronautics repair facility plan hits air pocket Bangalore: Turbulence in the civil aviation sector has forced the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to put on hold plans to build an aerospace MRO (maintenance, repair and overhauling) facility at its airport here.”We have delayed our plans to foray into the MRO business due to recession in the civil aviation industry. We are watching the situation. We will invest in the new facility when the

sector revives and business becomes viable,” HAL chairman Ashok K. Baweja told IANS.Ever since civilian and cargo operations shifted to the new Bangalore international airport at Devanahalli, about 40 km from this tech hub in May, the defence aerospace behemoth has been mulling an MRO facility for the civilian aircraft at the old airport, which remains grossly under-utilised.“We want to make optimal use of the airport infrastructure and make up for the loss of revenue (about Rs.1.5 billion) generated annually from the civilian operations. Foraying into the civil aviation sector is part of our expansion and diversification plans,” Baweja said.The 34-year-old HAL airport is currently used for flying tests and training sorties by HAL and the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots. The aircraft of heads of state and dignitaries like the president and the prime minister are allowed to land and take off there. Chartered flights and private jets are also permitted to use the airport after regulatory clearances for a prescribed fee.Besides a 2.5-km runway, the airport has hangars, fuelling and other facilities required for full-fledged operations, including an MRO unit.29