GE Aerospace is set to substantially increase its sourcing of components from India, capitalizing on the country's rapidly expanding aviation sector. The company, which already operates a manufacturing plant in Pune and the John F Welch Technology Centre in Bengaluru, currently collaborates with 13 major Indian suppliers, including Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL).
"We have some very capable companies in India with the right engineering talent and production footprint," stated Mahendra Nair, Group Vice President for Commercial Programs at GE Aerospace, in an interview with PTI. "As long as they can meet our technical standards, it's only going to grow." He emphasized the strategic importance of India as a growing market, making increased sourcing a logical step for the company.
This move is backed by significant recent growth in sourcing from India. Vikram Rai, South Asia Chief Executive Officer of GE Aerospace, revealed that sourcing from India has increased by an impressive 20 times between 2018 and 2022.
This development comes at a time when India's civil aviation market is experiencing rapid growth, with domestic airlines expanding their fleets. However, the global aerospace supply chain is facing challenges. Nair acknowledged these difficulties, stating that it will likely take two years for the situation to improve, due to demand outpacing supply by approximately 25 percent annually.
Despite these constraints, GE Aerospace remains committed to its Indian partnerships. The company, through CFM International, its 50/50 joint venture with Safran Aircraft Engines, produces LEAP engines that power a significant portion of narrow-body aircraft in India. Currently, Indian airlines operate around 1,300 GE Aerospace and CFM engines.
GE Aerospace also plays a crucial role in India's defence sector. Their engines and systems are utilized in the Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1, various helicopters, and the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers and frigates. With approximately 3,000 employees in India, the company has a strong and growing presence in the country.
Further demonstrating its commitment to the region, GE Aerospace recently celebrated a milestone with its GEnx commercial aviation engines achieving two million flight hours with South Asian airlines. These engines, which power Boeing wide-body aircraft operated by Air India, Vistara, and Biman Bangladesh, highlight the company's contribution to the region's aviation industry. Air India Group alone accounted for over 90 percent of these flight hours.
