Aequs and Magellan Aerospace to launch engine MRO business in Karnataka' Belagavi

Aravind Melligeri (R), Chairman and CEO, Aequs and Phillip Underwood, President and CEO, Magellan Aerospace

Magellan Aerospace Corporation on July 25 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aequs Private Limited (Aequs), to develop a business plan for a jointly-owned engine MRO business in the Aequs Special Economic Zone, Belagavi, Karnataka.

"India's aerospace sector has experienced growth over the past decade, driven by government initiatives including Make in India and the UDAN Scheme, growth in the private sector, and increasing air traffic. Air travel demand in India has surged, making it one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world," said a joint statement.

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"Given the substantial growth of aerospace and aviation in India, the MRO sector is poised for significant development. Under the terms of this MoU, Magellan and Aequs will work together to evaluate the market for business, commercial, and military aircraft engine MRO services, developing a comprehensive business plan that expands our existing partnership into the MRO sector through this exciting new project," it said.

In 2008, Aequs and Magellan established Aerospace Processing India (API), a joint venture that was the first Airbus and Boeing-approved plant in India, providing OEMs with aerospace surface treatments not readily available in the country at the time.

"This successful venture has flourished and grown over the past 15+ years to be the largest in India, processing more than 1.5 million parts per year. This demonstrates the solid foundation of the Aequs/Magellan relationship that delivers unique, cost-effective solutions to support a global customer base," the statement said.

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Aravind Melligeri, chairman and CEO of Aequs, said, “We have had a successful relationship with Magellan Aerospace for the past 15 years and partnered to build the most innovative and effective aerospace ecosystem in India today at the Aequs SEZ. It is only logical we explore further opportunities to service the fast-growing business, civil, and military aviation industry in India. This facility is expected to have the ability to strip, rebuild, and test engines to help alleviate existing capacity constraints. This JV will leverage the vertically integrated aerospace manufacturing ecosystem at Aequs SEZ and, coupled with Magellan’s global presence and expertise across product lines, will be best suited to provide engine MRO services to domestic and international business, commercial, and military aircraft users.”

Phillip Underwood, president and CEO of Magellan Aerospace, said, “With soaring aerospace and aviation growth, this potential engine MRO venture for the Indian market will focus on infrastructure development, cost advantages, and strategic initiatives that are essential to realizing the sector's potential. Magellan is committed to contributing to India’s expertise in the aircraft engine MRO sector and helping grow this industry in the country. We are ready to meet the growing needs of our MRO customers with the cost-effective and quality solutions they have come to expect."

Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil wrote on X: "Big News for Karnataka's Aerospace Industry! Magellan Aerospace and Aequs are collaborating on a joint engine MRO business in the Aequs SEZ, Belagavi."

"This partnership is set to advance Karnataka's aerospace sector, sparking innovation and creating valuable job opportunities. Charting aerospace growth and advancing in the region is our mission! This collaboration will play a key role in shaping the future of aerospace in Karnataka," he added.

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