Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, popularly known as BLR Airport, has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, establishing itself as a prominent aviation hub in South India. The airport’s strategic location as a gateway to the region, coupled with Bengaluru’s status as a rapidly expanding city and a technological and business hub, has been instrumental in attracting domestic and international airlines, freighters, and passengers. BLR Airport’s continuous efforts to provide exceptional services, embrace technological advancements, and promote sustainability have earned it recognition in various areas, including passenger satisfaction and cargo processing.
To accommodate the increasing demand, the airport has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan, including the recent commissioning of Terminal 2 and future upgrades to enhance its capacity to handle millions of passengers annually. Furthermore, BLR Airport’s commitment to supporting Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) service providers underscores its dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence in aircraft maintenance practices. Let’s explore further insights into BLR Airport’s MRO facilities and its efforts to promote the growth of this vital sector. MRO Business Today in conversation with Mr. Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, Bangalore International Airport Ltd. READ ON……….
Q – Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has experienced significant growth over the years. Can you elaborate on the factors contributing to this growth and the airport’s strategic plans for further expansion?
Ans – Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru’s (BLR Airport’s) significant growth can be attributed to its strategic location as a gateway to South India, which has helped in attracting domestic and international airlines and freighters to operate from BLR Airport. Bengaluru’s status as one of India’s fastest growing cities, driven by excellent weather, world-class institutions and an environment that drives technology and business has contributed to the increased demand for air travel. As a result, BLR Airport has reported a rapid growth in passenger numbers. Starting with handling approximately 8 million passengers in its first year of operations, BLR Airport has expanded its capacity over the years, witnessing a fourfold increase in passenger traffic to more than 33 million before the Covid pandemic. With two parallel runways and two terminal buildings currently, BLR Airport has the potential to achieve a peak capacity of 90-100 million passengers per annum (mppa) in the years to come.
The Airport has been recognised for its performance in areas such as passenger satisfaction, airport services, technological innovations, sustainability practices, water positivity, and energy neutrality. Additionally, BLR Airport has been the preferred airport for processing perishable cargo in India.
As part of its expansion plans, BLR Airport recently commissioned Phase 1 of Terminal 2 in January 2023. The terminal currently has a capacity of 25 million passengers per annum and is already serving domestic operations, with international operations expected to shift by August 2023. After stabilising operations at Terminal 2, BLR Airport intends to upgrade and refurbish Terminal 1 and convert it into a dedicated domestic passenger terminal with an estimated capacity of approximately 35 million passengers per annum. This will be followed by Phase 2 of Terminal 2, increasing its capacity to 45 million passengers per annum.
Q – Can you please provide us with an overview of the MRO facilities at Bangalore Airport and the range of services offered to airlines and aircraft operators?
Ans – At BLR Airport, we currently have one MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility commissioned by Indigo, India’s largest airline. This facility spans approximately 5 acres of dedicated space and can accommodate two Code C category aircraft. The primary focus of the MRO facility is to cater to the captive maintenance needs of the airline’s own fleet. This ensures that their aircraft receive timely and efficient servicing to ensure operational excellence.
Q – How does Bangalore Airport support MRO service providers in terms of infrastructure and facilities? Could you elaborate on the specific amenities and resources that are provided to ensure smooth operations?
Ans – We are committed to providing exceptional support to MRO service providers by investing in robust infrastructure and facilitating smooth operations. We understand the importance of a world-class facility to cater to the needs of MRO partners. To achieve this, BLR Airport conducts regular masterplan review exercises, to identify land use to meet the industry needs and undertakes various capital expenditure (capex) projects focused on creating the necessary infrastructure to support aviation growth. Over the years, these investments have included the construction of an additional taxiway, and a high-power engine runup bay near the MRO facility. These projects aim to meet the growing demands of MRO service providers and ensure seamless operations. In addition, we have active discussions with central and state governments to obtain the necessary approvals from various statutory agencies.
Q – Collaboration plays a crucial role in driving innovation and efficiency in the MRO sector. How does Bangalore Airport actively engage and collaborate with MRO service providers to foster innovation and improve aircraft maintenance practices?
Ans – BLR Airport recognises the significant role that collaboration plays in driving innovation and efficiency in the MRO sector. As part of our commitment to fostering innovation and improving aircraft maintenance practices, we actively engage and collaborate with MRO service providers.
One of the ways we promote collaboration is by initiating discussions and partnerships with reputable global organisations and airline partners as well as the State and Central Government. These collaborations ensure that our MRO partners can operate with the required certifications and permissions. Our goal is to provide comprehensive MRO services that meet the highest industry standards, ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft that are operating at BLR Airport.
Q – Bangalore Airport has successfully attracted MRO companies to its premises. What are some key advantages or incentives that make Bangalore Airport an attractive location for MRO service providers? How does the airport differentiate itself from other MRO hubs?
Ans – BLR Airport is the third-largest airport in India, and with increasing passenger and cargo volumes the airport offers a substantial customer base for MRO providers. This size and capacity provide opportunities for MRO service providers to cater to diverse aircraft and meet the demands of a thriving aviation industry.
BLR Airport’s strategic location and the availability of a skilled and experienced talent pool are big advantages. The city is renowned for its pool of qualified professionals, including aeronautical engineers and technicians. Additionally, Bengaluru benefits from its proximity to existing defense organisations, which serve as a source of skilled staff for the MRO industry.
The state government of Karnataka provides special financial incentives to encourage the establishment of MRO facilities in the region. These incentives include favorable policies, tax benefits, and investment support. Such initiatives create a conducive business environment and further enhance the attractiveness of the Airport as a destination for MRO service providers. The Airport’s commitment to maintaining high standards of infrastructure, facilities, and operational efficiency is another differentiating factor. BLR Airport continuously invests in capex projects to ensure the availability of world-class facilities that meet the specific needs of MRO service providers. This focus on providing a conducive and technologically advanced environment for aircraft maintenance contributes to the airport’s distinction as a leading MRO hub.
Q – Can you provide us with an overview of the types of MRO service providers currently operating at Bangalore Airport, and what specific services do they offer? How does this diversity of providers contribute to the overall MRO ecosystem at the airport?
Ans – At BLR Airport, there is a diverse range of MRO service providers operating to cater to different aircraft maintenance needs. Currently, the airport is home to several third-party line maintenance (TPLM) service providers, including Airworks Engineering, GMR Air Cargo & Aerospace Engineering, Air India Engineering, KLM Engineering, British Airways Engineering, Lufthansa Technik, and Bharat Aviation. In addition, and as outlined earlier, Indigo has commissioned its dedicated MRO facility at the Airport. It serves Indigo’s own fleet of Airbus and ATR aircraft, further enhancing the range of MRO services available at the airport.
These service providers offer crucial line maintenance services to various international airlines operating at BLR Airport. Their services include component replacements, routine in-service inspections, and day-to-day check actions. These activities ensure compliance with international regulations, multiple countries’ requirements, and specific approvals and certifications for different aircraft models.
