Akasa Air Announces First MRO Facility at Noida International Airport
Domestic carrier Akasa Air has unveiled plans to establish its inaugural maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at the upcoming Noida International Airport. The announcement, made on Friday, marks a significant development for India's aviation sector as the country prepares to inaugurate its newest airport.
Phase One Development on 40-Acre Site
The airline will construct the MRO unit on a 40-acre parcel within the airport premises during the first phase of the airport's development. According to Shailendra Bhatia, nodal officer of Noida International Airport Limited and additional CEO of Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, the facility will be developed under the concession agreement signed with the airport operator.
"The MRO will cater to the maintenance and repair requirements of aircraft operated by all airlines flying from the Noida International Airport," Bhatia told TOI. He did not provide a specific timeline for the construction of the facility, but confirmed it would serve multiple carriers operating from the new airport.
Long-Term Vision for Aviation Hub
Looking ahead, airport authorities have earmarked a much larger aviation and MRO hub spread across 1,365 hectares for the airport's second phase. This ambitious expansion underscores the strategic importance of Noida International Airport in India's aviation landscape.
Noida International Airport CEO Christoph Schnellmann emphasized the broader implications of Akasa Air's decision. "Akasa Air's decision to establish its first MRO facility at Noida International Airport will enhance India's MRO capabilities while creating opportunities for skill development and employment in the region," he stated.
Strengthening Domestic Aviation Infrastructure
This facility represents Akasa Air's first MRO base since the airline commenced operations in August 2022. Founder and CEO Vinay Dube highlighted the importance of building domestic maintenance capacity as India's aviation sector experiences rapid growth.
"Developing strong MRO capabilities will help airlines operate efficiently and reliably at scale while strengthening a more self-reliant aviation ecosystem," Dube explained. The move aligns with broader efforts to reduce dependence on foreign maintenance facilities and bolster India's aviation independence.
Airlines Committing to Noida Operations
Three major airlines have already confirmed plans to operate from Noida International Airport:
- IndiGo
- Akasa Air
- Air India Express
While specific routes have not been officially announced, officials have indicated that initial flights will likely connect Noida with major metropolitan centers including Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Regulatory Milestone Achieved
The announcement comes shortly after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued the aerodrome licence to Noida International Airport on March 6. This regulatory approval represents a crucial step toward commencing flight operations at the new facility.
Akasa Air currently operates flights on 26 domestic and six international routes, positioning the airline as a growing player in India's competitive aviation market. The establishment of its first MRO facility at Noida International Airport signals both the airline's expansion plans and its commitment to developing India's aviation infrastructure.
