HAL and Safran in India helicopter venture

India’s indigenous helicopters such as the Dhruv and the Shakti featuring Safran turboshafts will now have access to a new engine MRO facility in Goa following a partnership between HAL and Safran.

HAL and Safran executives at the groundbreaking of the new MRO

HAL and Safran executives at the groundbreaking of the new MRO near Goa

The new MRO broke ground yesterday and was celebrated by the two companies.

When the workshops open at the end of next year, Safran TM 333 and HAL Shakti turboshafts will be able to undergo repair and maintenance.

The joint venture company, Helicopter Engines MRO, will initially be able to repair 50 engines annually, with the numbers rising to 150 engines. At yesterday’s ceremony the venture said that 60 engineers will be employed as it opens.

“With a fleet of over 1,000 engines, including 250 TM 333 and over 500 Shakti, India’s Armed Forces are one of the largest operators of Safran-designed helicopter engines and our company powers 100% of HAL-produced helicopters. We support all HAL helicopter programmes and will offer the level of commitment to their future projects,” said Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Franck Saudo.

Alan Peaford

Alan Peaford MBE

Alan is a regular broadcaster and is the consultant editor-in-chief and presenter for Times Aerospace TV and is a regular commentator on aviation issues for many global broadcasting channels. He is conference chairman of the Aviation Africa summit and the Aviation MENA summit and has moderated or chaired conferences for organisations such as IATA, DCAA, the Global Aerospace Summit and business aviation associations in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

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