Thales is also in advanced discussions with Air India regarding the In-Flight Entertainment Systems (IFES) required for their substantial aircraft order.
In a significant development for India’s burgeoning aviation industry, the French multinational tech giant Thales is poised to establish a state-of-the-art Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center in the National Capital Region (NCR) by the end of 2024. This strategically located facility is set to bring a slew of benefits to not only Thales but also India’s MRO sector and the broader aviation industry.
Catering to Indian Giants and Beyond
One of the most noteworthy aspects of this initiative is the range of clients Thales intends to serve. It plans to cater to India’s prominent airlines, such as Air India and IndiGo. These major carriers will greatly benefit from having a world-class MRO center in close proximity.
But Thales’ ambitions extend beyond serving Indian airlines. The facility is strategically positioned to provide MRO services to foreign airlines from nearby countries. This positions India as a regional MRO hub, offering comprehensive services for airlines operating in the region.
Biometric Advancements for Indian Airports
Thales has big plans to revolutionize the airport experience in India. The company is aiming to provide the technology required for the implementation of a biometric-based “DigiYatra for the flight-to-gate solution” at airports managed by the Adani Group. This digital transformation is set to enhance passenger experience, streamline processes, and improve airport security.
Close Collaboration with Air India
Thales is also in advanced discussions with Air India regarding the In-Flight Entertainment Systems (IFES) required for their substantial aircraft order. The proximity of the MRO facility in Delhi NCR is a significant advantage in this regard. It allows for efficient servicing and swift support, a critical factor in maintaining airlines’ operational efficiency.
Investment and Job Growth
While the exact investment figure for this MRO center, dedicated to avionics and inflight entertainment (IFE) systems, remains undisclosed, Thales is gearing up for substantial initial investments amounting to tens of millions of Euros. This indicates the company’s commitment to delivering world-class services.
Furthermore, Thales International President & CEO, Pascale Sourisse, has shared the company’s ambitious plan to double its current workforce of 1,500 engineers in India within the next three years. This presents significant employment opportunities for the highly skilled Indian workforce.
India’s Soaring Aviation Sector
India is currently the world’s fastest-growing aviation market and holds the position of the third-largest market worldwide. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Thales and its MRO center. By tapping into this robust market, the company can establish itself as a prominent service provider in the aviation sector, contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
Thales: A Multifaceted Contributor to India’s Growth
Thales, with its global presence in avionics, defense, and digital identity/cybersecurity, is committed to supporting the evolution of India’s mobile technology landscape. The introduction of e-SIMS, digital SIM cards to replace physical ones, reflects Thales’s role in shaping the telecommunications landscape.
The company’s substantial presence in India is evident in its involvement in equipping Airbus commercial airliners with robust flight management systems (FMS). These systems enhance data access and reduce carbon emissions, a significant step towards sustainable aviation. With a pool of highly skilled engineers in India, Thales leverages local expertise for the development of these systems.
Moreover, Thales has been actively pursuing joint ventures in India, including collaborations with Bharat Electronics for radar systems and with Reliance for defense initiatives. As one of the top five global cybersecurity firms, Thales is also set to expand its presence in this sector, with its Noida engineering center serving as a focal point for this growth.
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In conclusion, Thales’s commitment to establishing an MRO center in India underscores the company’s dedication to serving its clients efficiently and advancing its operations in a region with significant growth potential. This initiative is set to benefit not only Thales but also the Indian Aviation MRO market and the Indian aviation sector as a whole. With India’s aviation industry on the cusp of remarkable growth, this strategic move by Thales promises to be a game-changer, enhancing the nation’s standing in the global aviation landscape.
