India’s leading aviation company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) announcing their intent to develop industrial cooperation in forging parts’ manufacturing for commercial engines.
Under this partnership HAL will manufacture LEAP engine components at its Bangalore facilities, in line with the ‘Make in India’ policy of the Indian government and to support the rapid expansion of the LEAP programme. Safran Aircraft Engines has a long-term vision of establishing a comprehensive aero engine ecosystem in India. The company currently operates three production facilities in the country, located between Hyderabad and Bangalore and plans to add a fourth site in Hyderabad dedicated to LEAP MRO activities by 2025. Additionally, a Helicopter Engine MRO (HE-MRO) facility is under development in Goa in collaboration with HAL and is expected to be operational by 2025.
“Safran is a long-standing partner, especially on our helicopter programmes and also for parts production within the frame of our joint-venture in Bangalore. We are very proud to take this partnership to another level and to develop our skills in key technologies like forging manufacturing”, said Shri C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL. Strengthening our contribution to the production ramp-up of the LEAP programme, one of the most successful in the industry, is a fantastic opportunity for HAL.”
Safran Aircraft Engines, along with other Safran entities, has a significant presence in India. The country ranks as the third-largest operator of LEAP engines globally, with 75% of Indian commercial aircraft equipped with CFM’s advanced turbofan technology.
To date, Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 2,200 LEAP engines.
