IndiGo Chooses Bengaluru for Major MRO Expansion

IndiGo Selects Bengaluru for Major MRO Expansion

IndiGo has formalized an agreement with Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru to develop a new maintenance hangar, marking a significant advancement in the airline’s efforts to expand its in-house maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. This new facility will service IndiGo’s Airbus A320 and A350-900 fleets, aligning with the carrier’s rapid growth trajectory and its strategic goal of achieving greater self-sufficiency in aircraft maintenance.

Currently, IndiGo operates two MRO hangars—one at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and another in Bengaluru. However, the airline recognizes the need for further expansion to fully realize its vision of self-reliance in MRO operations. During a recent media briefing, CEO Pieter Elbers emphasized the progress made so far, noting the volume of engine changes and in-house work undertaken, as well as the talent pool available. He described the initiative as a significant opportunity for both IndiGo and India to build robust maintenance capabilities domestically.

Strategic Growth and Industry Implications

While the timeline for achieving advanced in-house MRO capabilities remains undefined, the Bengaluru expansion is regarded as a critical milestone. Elbers highlighted the airline’s ambitious growth plans, projecting a fleet size of 600 aircraft by 2030, which underscores the necessity of enhanced maintenance infrastructure. He also pointed to the rapid development of the Bengaluru hangar, which commenced operations two years ago, and stressed the airline’s commitment to both strengthening existing capabilities and cultivating new technical expertise.

IndiGo’s expansion occurs against the backdrop of India’s traditionally outsourced MRO sector, where much of the maintenance work has been conducted overseas. Elbers identified India’s young and skilled workforce as a key advantage, alongside the country’s relatively limited MRO infrastructure, presenting a clear opportunity to build a more self-sufficient ecosystem. Industry analysts have responded positively to IndiGo’s move, suggesting it may encourage competitors to invest in upgrading their own maintenance facilities. Despite challenges such as recruiting specialized talent and developing advanced technical skills, the Bengaluru project is widely viewed as a pivotal step toward establishing a comprehensive, in-house MRO framework.

Recruitment and Leadership Initiatives

To support this expansion, IndiGo is actively recruiting specialists to bolster its local MRO team. Elbers acknowledged the need to bring in additional expertise to accelerate the development of the maintenance capabilities. In a strategic leadership appointment, the airline recently named Ton Dortmans—who brings 40 years of experience with KLM and formerly served as executive vice president of KLM Engineering & Maintenance—to oversee the technical service entry of the A350 and to guide IndiGo’s broader MRO strategy, particularly in relation to C check maintenance.

As IndiGo continues to grow its fleet and deepen its technical proficiency, the Bengaluru MRO facility is expected to become a cornerstone of the airline’s long-term operational strategy. This expansion positions IndiGo at the forefront of India’s evolving aviation maintenance sector, reflecting its commitment to building a sustainable and self-reliant MRO infrastructure.