Noida International Airport has partnered with Akasa Air to establish the airline’s first maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India, marking a significant step toward strengthening domestic aviation infrastructure.

The facility will be located within the airport premises and will support a wide range of aircraft maintenance activities, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and safety for the airline as it scales its operations. Noida International Airport, which is being developed as a greenfield project in Uttar Pradesh, is positioning itself as a key hub for aviation services including aircraft maintenance.

Industry experts note that the development of local MRO infrastructure has become increasingly important as Indian airlines expand fleets and international operations.

Boost for India’s MRO capabilities

Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport, said the decision by the airline to establish its first domestic MRO facility at the airport reflects confidence in the project’s long-term vision.

“Akasa Air’s decision to establish its first MRO facility in India at Noida International Airport is a strong endorsement of our vision to build a world-class aviation hub for India,” Schnellmann said. “This partnership will not only enhance India’s MRO capabilities but also create opportunities for skill development and employment in the region.”

The collaboration is aligned with the broader vision of the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh to develop the airport as a major MRO hub, reducing the country’s dependence on overseas maintenance services.

Supporting airline growth

Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Akasa Air, said building strong domestic maintenance capabilities is critical as India’s aviation market continues to grow rapidly.

“Our partnership with Noida International Airport reflects how we think about building Akasa for the long term. As India’s aviation market continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, developing strong domestic MRO capabilities will be critical for airlines to operate efficiently and reliably at scale,” Dube said.

Akasa Air, which began operations in 2022, currently operates a fleet of 35 aircraft and has placed an order for 226 aircraft to support its long-term expansion plans. The airline has served over 25 million passengers and operates across several domestic and international routes.

The new MRO facility is expected to contribute to local employment generation and skill development while supporting the creation of a broader aviation ecosystem around the upcoming airport, as per the release.