Lucknow: The state-of-the-art maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, the foundation stone for which was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Noida International Airport on Saturday, is a step towards making Uttar Pradesh as well as the country self-reliant in the field of aircraft maintenance.“India currently depends heavily on foreign countries for aircraft maintenance. Around 85% of the country’s aircraft are sent abroad for MRO, leading to significant outflow of foreign exchange,” the PM said.Emphasizing the need to change the situation, he said that making India self-reliant in the MRO sector was the need of the hour, and modern facilities were being developed across the country to achieve the goal.Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the MRO sector as an important pillar of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and said that in the future, India would not only service its own aircraft but also provide services to other countries.The first MRO facility at the Noida Airport premises will be established in collaboration with Akasa Air. This advanced centre will create a comprehensive network for aircraft maintenance, repair and technical services, strengthening the country’s aviation industry.With the development of this MRO hub, airlines will no longer need to send their aircraft abroad for maintenance as frequently. This will not only save time but also reduce operational costs.The project will generate large-scale employment opportunities at the local level. Youth will get opportunities for training in aircraft maintenance, aviation technology and technical services.
