en.Wedoany.com Reported - Air India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to collaborate in the field of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), aiming to position India as a global aviation MRO hub. This initiative builds on existing cooperation between the two parties, seeking to strengthen maintenance and component support for Air India's expanding fleet and network growth.

The two parties have previously engaged in multiple collaborations. On February 21, 2024, Air India and SIAEC signed a 12-year Integrated Technical Management (ITM) agreement to provide comprehensive component support for the in-service Airbus A320 family aircraft. On May 11 of the same year, SIAEC was appointed as Air India's strategic base maintenance partner to assist in developing base maintenance facilities in Bengaluru.

The latest MoU aims to deepen the existing partnership. The parties plan to leverage SIAEC's MRO technical expertise to jointly develop a world-class MRO ecosystem in India, supporting Air India's route operations network. The collaboration may include establishing an MRO joint venture in India to address the growing demand in the Indian and regional aviation markets.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, stated that the rapid growth of India's aviation industry has driven the need for a stronger and more self-sufficient domestic MRO ecosystem. As the fleet expands and operational scale increases, developing local maintenance capabilities is crucial for supporting efficiency, resilience, and long-term growth. Such collaborations help position India as a global aviation hub.

Chin Yau Seng, Chief Executive Officer of SIAEC, noted that India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, and the continuous development of its MRO capabilities is a key step in consolidating its position in the global aviation ecosystem. Through this MoU, the parties aim to explore how SIAEC's technical expertise can support India's gradual enhancement of capabilities and capacity, while continuing existing collaborations.