Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya opened a Centre of Excellence for aerospace studies in partnership with Airbus on 04 February 2026 at its campus in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a new phase in industry–academia collaboration focused on research, innovation and skills development in the aerospace sector. The centre is intended to support research and development, student-led innovation and specialised training aligned with emerging aerospace technologies.
The Centre of Excellence forms part of a long-term collaboration between Airbus and the university aimed at strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem. According to a press release issued by Airbus, key focus areas include research into Sustainable Aviation Fuel and support for innovations related to future aerospace technologies, with an emphasis on applied and translational outcomes.
The initiative was announced in 2024 and formally inaugurated by Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia. The inauguration was attended by Rajmata Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, Member of the Court of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, and Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of the university.
“The inauguration of this Centre of Excellence at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya marks a milestone in our mission to co-create a robust aerospace ecosystem in India,” Westermeier said. He added that the centre would focus on research and development in areas such as the conversion of Municipal Solid Waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel and on developing skills required across the aerospace value chain.
Choudhary said the Centre of Excellence builds on earlier collaboration initiatives between the university and Airbus. “The inauguration of the CoE is another step in our shared mission and partnership for aerospace sector growth in the country,” he stated, referring to existing academic and research initiatives already underway.
Since 2024, Airbus and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya have expanded their partnership across multiple areas of education and research. The collaboration includes a full scholarship programme for 45 meritorious and underprivileged students, with one-third of the scholarships reserved for women. Airbus has also established a Chair Professor for Aerospace Studies at the university to support undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes.
In addition to academic initiatives, the partnership includes a Joint Study Agreement focused on sustainable aviation solutions. Under this agreement, grants have been provided for research into converting Municipal Solid Waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel, combining the university’s research capabilities with Airbus’ industrial expertise to explore locally sourced aviation fuel pathways.
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya was established as a central university by an Act of Parliament in 2022. It focuses on transportation and logistics education and research, covering sectors including railways, aviation, highways, ports, maritime transport, inland waterways, urban transport and logistics and supply chain networks.
