Q&A with GMR Aero Technic’s Ashok Gopinath

Ashok Gopinath, GMR Aero Technic (GAT) is a leading airframe Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility based at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, India, having DGCA-India, and other International approvals such as EASA, FAA-US, PACA-Oman, CAA-Vietnam etc. In an interview with Shelley Vishwajeet of Asian Aviation, Ashok Gopinath, President of GMR talked about the future and potential of Indian MROs becoming a credible and sought after MRO centre in Asian-Pacific region. Q: As president of GMR Aero Technic, how do you see India’s position evolving in the global MRO landscape over the next decade? A: Over the next decade, India will transition from being largely an offshore maintenance destination to becoming a strategic, full‑spectrum MRO hub for the Asia‑Pacific and Middle East regions. This evolution will be driven by three structural strengths: fleet growth, cost competitiveness, and capability depth in line with Governmentt of India’s Vision 2040. With one of the world’s fastest‑growing commercial and defence aircraft fleets, India will generate sufficient domestic demand to anchor large‑scale base maintenance, engine and component MRO, defence sustainment, and specialised services such as conversions and advanced repairs. Regulatory reforms, rationalisation of taxes, and the government of India’s strong push under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat are enabling the creation of indigenous capabilities that were historically sourced overseas. As Indian MROs invest in infrastructure, digital technologies, OEM partnerships, and skill development, we will see a move up the value chain; from routine maintenance to complex, high‑value work packages. If we execute well, the next decade will firmly establish India as a credible alternative to traditional MRO hubs, and eventually, a key player in select segments of the global MRO market. Q: What strategic priorities guide GMR Aero Technic as it expands its role in aircraft maintenance and aviation engineering services? A: GMR Aero Technic aims to be a leading MRO services provider in the Asia Pacific region by offering comprehensive end-to-end services. Currently, we focus on narrow-body airframe MRO, performing all types of Heavy maintenance checks, End-of-lease services, Entry-into-service, Modifications and full livery painting in our existing nine narrow-body lines. We have ear-marked nearly 40 acres land for further expansion. We are investing in a new Wide-body Complex, doubling our capacity and adding capabilities to cover B787/77 and A350 aircraft including a wide-body Paint hangar, Nacelle Components shop, Full Cabin Interior /Galley facility and Composites Shops. The facility will be operational by June 2028. We will also significantly expand our defence MRO services. Additionally, we have planned to enhance our MRO capabilities for critical components. We have recently developed a de-icer boots facility to support Turbo Prop fleet and forged partnerships with Spirit Aero for Nacelles, Radome, and flight control surfaces, and with Lufthansa Technik for Cyclean Engine wash solutions to customers in the region. We are adding more capabilities through strategic tie-ups with OEMs. The GMR School of Aviation, was set up in Jan 2024 is approved by DGCA India & EASA Part 147 as part of our Strategic initiative to develop skilled manpower has expanded its capabilities by adding Type Trainings and Ancillary Training in partnership in Industry stake holders. Q: India is positioning itself as a global aviation hub. How critical is the development of domestic MRO capability in achieving that ambition? A: Maintenance is the third‑largest cost driver for airlines after leasing and fuel. MRO is the backbone that ensures aircraft fleet availability & reliability, Safety, Cost efficiency, and long‑term fleet sustainability. Developing domestic MRO capability allows Indian carriers to reduce foreign exchange outflows, improve turnaround times, reduced inventory holding and operate with greater cost predictability apart from having the technical knowhow and generating employment. As India becomes one of the world’s largest aviation markets, fleet size alone will generate sustained demand for base maintenance, engines, components, and modifications. Domestic MRO capacity ensures that this growth is supported locally, reducing dependence on congested overseas hubs and improving operational resilience. Q: India still sends a significant portion of its aircraft overseas for heavy maintenance. What structural challenges need to be addressed to reverse this trend? A: Indian Aviation industry is the fastest growing in the world & it is poised to be among world’s top 3 markets by year 2030. There has been gradual growth in MRO service providers in India. Indian MROs are self-sufficient in handling airframe maintenance checks. The fact that the Indian MRO market is attracting international airlines from regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia suggests a growing reputation for quality services and reliability. GMR Aero Technic’s has demonstrated these abilities strongly which let to majority of the regional carriers to opt it as their preferred MRO as 60% of the revenue coming from international carriers. Nevertheless, Indian customer still imports appx 80% of MRO services, mainly of components and engines, as such MROs are lacking in the country. Both, Central and State Govts are encouraging large Business units and OEMs by incentivising them to set up Component MRO facility within the country. OEMs should invest in India directly or collaborate with any Indian MROs to build the capability within country. In recent years, we have seen investment from Safran for Leap Engine MRO, Thales for Avionics components, Jamco for Galley equipment. This is a positive development, but India requires more & more investments in this space. Q: What role can public–private partnerships play in strengthening the aerospace maintenance ecosystem? A: Heavy MRO infrastructure – widebody hangars, component shops, specialised tooling requires large capital with long payback cycles. Through PPP models, government can provide land, policy support, and anchor demand, while private players bring operational expertise, investment discipline, and global best practices. This significantly lowers entry barriers for high‑value maintenance capabilities. MRO requires certified, experienced manpower. PPPs involving training institutions, regulators, and industry can create structured pipelines for licensing, type‑rating, and recurrent training—ensuring that workforce capability grows in step with infrastructure expansion. Q: How can India leverage its geographic location and engineering talent to become a regional MRO hub for Asia and the Middle East? A: India can use its strategic location right between Asia, the Middle East, and even Africa to attract airlines that need quick, cost‑effective maintenance during regional flight rotations. India’s position gives it natural access to major aviation corridors, making it an ideal stop for MRO support. As fleets in Asia and the Middle East continue to grow, India can become a convenient and competitive alternative to traditional hubs like Singapore or Dubai. The country’s expanding airport network and government focus on MRO growth further support this opportunity. At the same time, India has a large pool of engineering talent with English speaking youthful population and labour arbitrage, which is a major advantage as compared to other countries. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]