TBM Staff - Mumbai
Pratt & Whitney intends to significantly increase its sourcing from India, targeting approximately USD 150 million worth of products per annum by 2030. Over the past ten years, the company has already procured around USD 55 million in goods from India. Since the early 2000s, Pratt & Whitney has invested heavily in India, having sourced over USD 500 million in engineering services within the same timeframe.
Ashmita Sethi, President and Country Head of Pratt & Whitney India, explained that the expansion of sourcing in India would enable them to better address their stringent safety, quality, scheduling, and cost requirements. Currently, Pratt & Whitney’s engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) equip more than 400 civilian aircraft and almost 90 military planes in India.
To facilitate this growth, Pratt & Whitney has established numerous training, engineering, and digital facilities in India. They have invested over USD 40 million in engineering and supply chain operations centers alone during the previous two years. Recently, Pratt & Whitney India inaugurated its ‘Digital Capability Center’ (IDCC) in Bengaluru, which is anticipated to boost innovation and drive digital and business transformation for Pratt & Whitney facilities worldwide.
Regarding the potential establishment of an aircraft engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, Sethi expressed openness to considering the idea if there is a solid business case, favorable labor conditions, and ease of importing required components.
Pratt & Whitney is currently addressing issues related to its Geared Turbo Fan (GTF) engines, which led to IndiGo grounding nearly 35 aircraft and Go First entering bankruptcy protection. To mitigate the effects on customer fleets and operations, Pratt & Whitney is increasing its investment to add more maintenance, repair, and overhaul sites globally, with three additional locations coming online by 2025.
Globally, Pratt & Whitney remains dedicated to supporting its customers by enhancing capacity and bringing more shops online to accommodate increased demand.
