Delhi, 3rd November, 2009: Air Works, India’s leading third party MRO Company, has been awarded the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) repair station certification for its Maintenance facilities at Hosur, Tamil Nadu. This is the first time EASA has awarded a repairs station approval to an airframe MRO company in India.
The EASA certification is globally recognized, and will enable Air Works to service not only aircraft from India, but also from around the world. The approval was given to Air Works after a thorough and extensive audit process conducted by the EASA authorities.
The approval covers airframe and component mayor maintenance on ATR 42 / 72 -500 aircraft and Boeing737 Classic / New Generation aircraft. There are presently almost Five Hundred (500) B737 and over One Hundred (100) ATR aircraft operating in India and neighboring countries. Air Works intends to add the Airbus 320 to it capability in the months to come.
Maintenance accounts for a major part of the airline’s expenses. Maintenance costs for India based carriers have typically been higher due to the non availability of an EASA approved MRO Company in India. Airlines not having in house MRO capacity have had no choice but to take their aircraft overseas. This has resulted in having to buy the service in USD, incurring expensive ferrying costs, and loss of operational days for the airline. With an EASA / DGCA approved MRO Company incountry, operators will now be able to reduce their maintenance costs, while promoting the buildup of MRO capacity in this country.
Speaking on the occasion Fredrik Groth, CEO, Air Works said, “We are very grateful to the DGCA for their support in obtaining the international approval and the opening of a new maintenance centre in Hosur. The EASA approval further demonstrates that India is able and ready to compete with the world in this multibillion dollar industry. We trust the Domestic and the International airlines will find value in our maintenance services, and we look forward to lowering cost for the airlines, while creating expertise and job opportunities in India within our field”. Speaking about the industry Fredrik Groth added, “The MRO industry in India is at a nascent stage. As the airline industry here continues to grow there will be an ever increasing demand for MRO activities from the Indian market. We are proud to be the leading third party MRO Company in India.”
The MRO industry in India is currently valued at USD600million and is expected to grow to USD1.06 billion by 2015. The size of the MRO industry is directly proportionate to the fleet size of the airlines and that of the passenger growth. According to Airbus and Boeing forecasts, India will be amongst the high growth markets for the Aviation Industry. The country currently has close to 350 aircraft that are flown by various airlines, which demonstrates a huge demand for MRO activities in the country.
Commenting on the development Atul Punj, Chairman, Punj Lloyd said, “The EASA approval of the Air Works facility will provide a significant relief to the domestic aviation industry by providing a lower cost alternative. We strongly believe in the economic success of Air Works. Our planned investments are a clear sign of our serious and long-term commitment to Air Works.”
“The EASA certification marks a major step forward in Air Works capabilities. The approval further consolidates Air Work’s position as an emerging regional aeronautical repair center” said Suresh Soni, Partner, GTI and Director at Air Works. The development of our technological expertise, coupled with our high level of competitiveness, will enable us to expand our service offerings.
Air Works Commercial MRO in Hosur presently has one hangar capable of housing two ATR 72 Size aircraft or one narrow body aircraft, and with 13000 Sq. feet of office and back shop space. The company plans to build one more wide body hangar to be ready by end 2010. Air Works plans to invest up to USD $40 Million for setting up the additional hangars, a dedicated paint operation, and future engine/component MRO activities.
About Air Works
Established in 1951, Air Works is the largest independent General Aviation and the only third party Airline MRO Company in India. With an extensive and skilled work force of over 450 employees across 10 airports in the country, Air Works manages India's largest aviation technical staff and provides comprehensive services for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The company has long experience in running India's largest MRO operation for jet & turboprop aircraft and helicopters and currently maintains 80 corporate aircraft around India and provides support services to airlines in India. In 2007, New York-based private investment firm Global Technology Investment and construction firm Punj Lloyd made growth equity investments in Air Works. In 2008, Air Works became first Indian Commercial MRO to receive approval from DGCA for its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul [MRO] operations in Hosur, near Bangalore. For more information, please visit www.airworks.in.
