Hyderabad, 26 November 2025: GMR Hyderabad Aviation SEZ Limited (GHASL), a 100% subsidiary of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), has marked a historic milestone by hosting Safran’s largest Indian Engine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park, Hyderabad. The upcoming facility will re-shape engine support for both commercial airlines and the Indian defense sector, placing Hyderabad among the world’s premier aviation MRO centers. From commercial to defence aviation, GHASL has evolved into a powerhouse of precision engineering and infrastructure delivery. Its ecosystem - comprising India’s most comprehensive airframe MRO, advanced logistics, and industrial infrastructure - has become a magnet for global OEMs and operators.
Spanning 43,700 sq.m on a 23.5-acre site within the SEZ, the facility will be Safran’s largest engine centre globally. The operations are expected to begin by December 2025, positioning GHASL at the forefront of India’s aerospace infrastructure, setting new global benchmarks in scale, precision, and sustainability.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Aman Kapoor, CEO, GMR Airport and Land Development said, “At GMR, we take immense pride in enabling India’s aviation and defence capabilities through world-class infrastructure. From creating one of the country’s most advanced airframe MROs to now constructing Safran’s civil engine facilities, we continue to demonstrate the Group’s engineering excellence and strategic foresight. These developments mark a transformative step in India’s Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, strengthening the country’s position as a global aerospace hub.”
The inauguration of Safran’s civil aircraft engine MRO reinforces Hyderabad’s position as India’s emerging aerospace capital.
World-Class Capabilities, Built in India
The Safran MRO embodies GHASL’s integrated engineering excellence and future-ready infrastructure:
- Initial focus: LEAP engines (Airbus A320neo family and Boeing 737 MAX), scaling to the M88 engine line for Rafale aircraft.
- Throughput: ~100 engines per year initially, ramping up to 300 per year by 2035 (civil line).
- Smart operations: Digitally integrated shop floor with real-time condition monitoring and advanced inspection aligned with Safran’s global standards.
- Sustainability: Incorporating green design to optimize water and energy use.
- Cluster synergy: Seamless proximity to Safran’s component manufacturing, training, and harness facilities
GMR Aerocity Hyderabad: Pioneering India’s Aerospace Infrastructure
Anchored within GMR Aerocity Hyderabad, the world-class GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park, stands as a vibrant symbol of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in action. Spread across 277 acres of fully serviceable, build-to-suit industrial land, it provides a robust platform for global and domestic manufacturers to establish and scale operations.
Home to leading aerospace and industrial names such as Safran Electric and Power, Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM, Pratt & Whitney, Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. and Schneider Electric, alongside numerous SMEs, and engineering enterprises, GMR Aerospace Park enables high-value manufacturing, assembly, and export activities. Strategic advantages like dedicated Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ), seamless multimodal connectivity, and proximity to the airport cargo terminal make it an unmatched hub for supply chain and logistics efficiency.
By successfully hosting Safran’s largest engine MRO, GMR’s own Airframe MRO, multiple Aerospace manufacturing and logistics facilities and GMR School of Aviation, GHASL cements its role as a strategic enabler of India’s aerospace ambitions, bridging civil and military aviation through world-class design, execution, and innovation.
Beyond infrastructure, GMR Aerocity Hyderabad acts as an economic catalyst, fueling job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The integrated ecosystem, comprising the Aerospace & Industrial Park, logistics hubs, training academies, offices and hospitality infrastructure, drives employment across engineering, aviation, logistics, and allied sectors. With institutions like the GMR Aviation Academy and partnerships with global training providers, the Aerocity continuously develops skilled talent for the industry. Supported by Telangana’s strong academic base, it plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s future workforce while reinforcing Hyderabad’s position as a premier global manufacturing and innovation hub.
With the inauguration of Safran Engine MRO, GMR reaffirms its role as a key enabler of India’s aerospace growth story, through globally benchmarked infrastructure and innovation.
About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)
GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.
As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.
GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).
As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 121 million passengers in FY24 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.
GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.
Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2023, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 99.7 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 336.4 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2023, group revenue stood at €5,495 million and net income at €631 million.
For further information about GMR Group, visit https://www.gmrgroup.in
For further details, please contact:
Sangeetha CR
Head - Corporate Communications (GHIAL)
Email: Sangeetha.CR@gmrgroup.in
Aditi Basak
Lead - PR & Communications (GHIAL)
Email: Aditi.Basak@gmrgroup.in
Mukesh Vadlamani
AM - Corporate Communications (GHIAL)
Email: Mukesh.Vadlamani@gmrgroup.in