India aims to become a global aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub worth USD 4 billion by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) AGM in New Delhi. The initiative is backed by a growing number of MRO facilities, reduced GST, 100% FDI, and regulatory reforms designed to build a world-class aviation ecosystem.
PM Modi noted the number of MRO units in India has increased from 96 in 2014 to 154 in 2024. Currently, most Indian carriers rely on foreign MROs due to limited domestic capabilities in servicing engines, APUs, and landing gear. He emphasised that “India’s aviation sector has to grow long and wide,” with passenger traffic projected to more than double from 240 million to 500 million annually by 2030.
He highlighted transformative policies like UDAN, which has enabled over 15 million passengers to access affordable regional air travel. Additionally, digital innovations such as the Digi Yatra app are making Indian airports smarter and more seamless for travelers.
Calling the MRO sector a “sunrise industry,” Modi stressed the importance of aligning aviation law with global best practices, promoting sustainability, and ensuring gender diversity—where India leads with over 15% of its pilots being women, triple the global average.
