GE Aerospace plans to significantly increase its sourcing of components from India, according to company officials. The aerospace manufacturer, which operates a manufacturing facility in Pune and the John F Welch Technology Centre in Bengaluru, currently sources components from 13 major suppliers in the country, including Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL).
Vikram Rai, South Asia CEO of GE Aerospace, stated that the company’s sourcing from India increased 20-fold between 2018 and 2022, reflecting India’s expanding role in the global aerospace supply chain. India’s position as a key market for civil aviation growth has led to increased fleet expansions by domestic carriers, further driving demand for aerospace components.
Mahendra Nair, Group Vice President for Commercial Programs at GE Aerospace, noted that India’s engineering capabilities and production infrastructure are well-aligned with the company’s technical standards. As a result, India’s contribution to GE’s supply chain is expected to grow in the coming years.
The aerospace industry globally is facing significant supply chain challenges, according to Nair. He indicated that it may take at least two years for the situation to improve, due to a 25% annual increase in demand across various segments, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), airframes, and services.
In addition to its commercial operations, GE Aerospace is involved in defense projects in India. Its engines and systems power the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1, helicopters, and the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers and frigates.
Globally, GE Aerospace operates an equal joint venture with Safran Aircraft Engines, known as CFM, which produces LEAP engines used in many narrow-body aircraft, including those in India. Approximately 1,300 GE Aerospace and CFM engines are currently in service with Indian carriers.
The company also noted that its GEnx commercial engines, which power Boeing wide-body planes, have completed over two million flight hours with South Asian airlines. In South Asia, 90 GEnx engines are used by airlines such as Air India, Vistara, and Biman Bangladesh, with Air India accounting for the majority of the flight hours.
GE Aerospace employs around 3,000 people in India, underlining the company’s growing presence and investment in the region’s aerospace industry.