Safran to set up Aircraft maintenance facility in India

By Sources   |   Friday, 03 February 2006, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: French aerospace giant Safran is planning to set up a civilian aircraft engine maintenance facility in India in conjunction with a local partner. The company’s Senior Vice-President, Francois Courtot said, “We are planning to set up a aircraft engine maintenance and overhaul facility in India for CFM56 engines. The decision has been taken and everything will be finalized in the next few months.” CFM56 is a joint venture between GE Aircraft Engines and Safran subsidiary Snecma Moteurs. Indian carriers Jet Airways (BSE: 532617) and Air Sahara both use the CFM56 engine. He said, “We are looking for a partner and a location for the facility, which will be decided after discussions with a local partner.” At present, India has just one aircraft engine maintenance facility, which is run by Indian Airlines. Safran has two subsidiaries in India and a 50-50 joint venture with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the manufacture of engine parts. The joint venture is expected to be operational by mid-2006. Safran increased its workforce in India six-fold in 2005. Its 100 percent subsidiary located in Bangalore, Safran Aerospace India, is involved in advanced research into engine components, aircraft equipment and onboard software. Courtot said, “We have invested $4.98 million in our Indian subsidiary. Currently Safran Aerospace India has 300 engineers as against 150 at the end of 2004. We are targeting to take it to 500.”