Business model for MRO services in India: concepts and applications

Abstract

According to Business Aviation Association of India (BAAI), it is estimated that General aviation in India is likely to grow by 30%-40%1. Market projections indicate a burgeoning Business Jet segment - with one aircraft being added every third day thanks to the high net-worth individuals. However, in terms of "hygiene factors" key issues facing India are:? Infrastructure related - limited ground handling capabilities, lack of parking facilities/ bays;? Man-power related- lack of trained pilots and technicians compounded by lack of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities. Broadly, the key segments in aviations MROs are:_ Line Maintenance_ Airframe Maintenance_ Engine Overhaul_ Components Overhaul_ Modifications In the past world-wide, Airlines performed estimated 80% of all maintenance services on aircrafts, engines and components with the remaining 20% picked up by independentMROs2. The Airframe manufacturers (such as Airbus, Boeing etc) focused on the design, production and selling aircrafts, with engineering and parts support. Similarly Engines OEMs (- GE Aviation, Rolls Royce) sold engines and made revenue from Aftersales spares. While the Component OEMs (such as -Honeywell, Rockwell Collins) channeled their offerings and spares either through the Airframe manufacturers or sold to airlines directly. However, in the rapidly evolving landscape the Airframe manufactures and engine OEMs are increasingly engaging in maintenance services themselves or in partnerships with Airlines and/or independent MROs. In other words Service Integrators is the emerging paradigm shift in the Industry. In India, from the Airline perspective the lack of MRO facilities for GA aircraft with only line maintenance available drives up the cost of maintenance, increasing downtime for aircraft, which results in revenue losses. The longer turnaround especially for heavy maintenance is a result of aircraft components getting shipped to Singapore, Dubai, Europe, or the U.S, depending on the type of aircraft and component. Some of the recent developments have sparked a lot of interest in the Indian MRO value proposition. A slew of international MRO players have announced investments in India: a. Boeing is setting up a full fledged MRO facility in Nagpur for a total of 100million USD.3b. Airbus has recently finalized setting up of an MRO partnering with Jupiter Aviation and Air India (one of its key customers).4c. Airlines like Jet and Indian are also jumping into the fray to setup MRO facilities for both in-house requirements and to cater to other carriers.5d. The government recently opened the MRO segment to 100% FDI.6It is in this context we explore the Business Model for MRO services in India, its attractiveness and opportunities.