Safran has unveiled the world’s largest LEAP engine MRO facility in Hyderabad, India, as the French OEM expands its presence in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market.
The new LEAP engine MRO centre represents a total investment of €200 million and will be operational in 2026.
The 45,000 sqm facility will build up to a capacity of 300 LEAP shop visits a year and will also feature a next-generation test bench.
The facility aims to support the rapid growth in the region of the CFM International LEAP fleet, which powers most latest-generation narrowbody aircraft, including the A320neo and 737 MAX.
India is CFM’s third-largest market, with five Indian carriers operating more than 400 LEAP-powered aircraft and 2,000 engines on order.
The new site will employ more than 250 people at launch and up to 1,100 at full capacity. An on-site training centre will train more than 100 Indian technicians and engineers each year.
In addition, Safran has unveiled a new MRO shop for the M88 engine in Hyderabad — its first outside of France. The M88 powers the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jet.
The 5,000 sqm facility represents an investment of over €40 million and will provide MRO services for more than 600 engine modules a year. It will employ up to 150 people at full capacity.
“The two new MRO centres in Hyderabad dedicated to the LEAP and M88 engines underscore India’s importance to our group,” the company said.
“We’re proud to support the rapid growth of India’s civil and defence aerospace markets and actively contribute to the country’s ‘Make in India’ policy and strategic autonomy.”
Following the investments, Safran is aiming to triple its revenue in India to more than €3bn by 2030 — half of which will be generated by Safran’s own sites within the country.
At the same time, Safran will multiply its sourcing from within India by five.