Staff Correspondent
India’s aviation industry is soaring into a new era of self-reliance, innovation, and global competitiveness – and at the heart of this transformation lies an ambitious vision to build world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities. The stage for this conversation is none other than the 2nd Aviation India & South Asia Summit & Exhibition 2025, which will unfold in New Delhi on 29–30 October 2025. With the theme “Shaping the Pathway for Indian Aviation,” the Summit promises to be the most influential and forward-thinking gathering of India’s commercial aviation ecosystem, uniting visionaries, policymakers, and industry stalwarts in a shared mission—to supercharge India’s aviation future.
A New Dawn for the Indian MRO Sector
India’s MRO industry has long been recognized as the missing piece in the country’s quest to become a comprehensive aviation powerhouse. But change is in the air. At the Summit, one of the most anticipated sessions—“Super-charging MRO Capability and Capacity in India”—will bring together the leading minds who are driving this evolution. The spotlight will shine brightly on Sisira Dash, Chief Technical Officer at Air India, and Parichay Datta, Senior Vice President of Engineering & Maintenance at IndiGo, as they articulate their airlines’ grand ambitions to expand MRO capacity and expertise within India.
Both Air India and IndiGo, the country’s aviation giants, are investing heavily in strengthening domestic maintenance ecosystems. Their efforts symbolize the nation’s drive toward self-dependence—a clear departure from an era of reliance on overseas facilities for aircraft servicing and repairs. Moderator Mark Pilling, Programme Director of Aviation India Summit 2025, expressed his excitement, noting that “both carriers are investing strongly in building up their MRO capacity and capability, and we are looking forward to hearing their story first-hand as they drive to greater self-dependence.” His words capture the spirit of what this session represents: the dawn of a self-sustained, technically advanced aviation infrastructure that serves not just Indian carriers but the world.
Leadership and Collaboration at the Forefront
Adding further depth to the MRO discussion, the panel will also host some of the most prominent names shaping the sector: Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of Civil Aviation, Government of India; Ashok Gopinath, President of GMR Aero Technic; and CS Tomar, President of the MRO Association of India. Together, these leaders will explore practical pathways to accelerate MRO development in the country—ranging from consolidation and mergers among MRO players to the evolution of regulatory frameworks, taxation policies, and talent acquisition strategies.
India’s aspirations to become an MRO hub are not just visionary—they are achievable. With growing fleet sizes, the influx of new international routes, and a surge in domestic travel demand, the nation’s requirement for skilled engineers, advanced facilities, and innovative maintenance technologies is rising at an extraordinary pace. The Summit’s discussions promise to catalyze the partnerships and strategic investments necessary to turn this vision into tangible progress.
A Gathering of Aviation Titans
Beyond the MRO debate, the 2025 Summit is set to host a galaxy of aviation leaders from both the government and private sectors. Distinguished figures such as Campbell Wilson, Pieter Elbers, Vinay Dube, Salil Gupte, Shri Vipin Kumar, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, and Hari Marar are among the senior names who will participate in various sessions, sharing their expertise on aviation policy, airline strategy, infrastructure modernization, and sustainability.
Shri Murlidhar Mohol, the Honourable Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, will conduct the event’s grand inauguration. His presence underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing the sector. Mark Brown, Managing Director of Times Aerospace Events (MESA)—organizer of the Summit—emphasized this partnership, stating, “We are honoured to receive the support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation for Aviation India 2025. Minister Mohol has been a passionate and dedicated advocate for advancing aviation in India, and we are delighted that he will open the Summit and deliver the keynote address.”
The excitement is soaring for the Aviation India Summit 2025 as the organisers announced that Jürgen Westermeier, the newly appointed President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, will take centre stage at the opening Leaders Debate on 29 October! Westermeier’s participation marks a significant moment for India’s rapidly evolving aerospace landscape. With his vibrant vision, he emphasized that India is not only emerging as a key aerospace market but is also strengthening its position as a world-class industrial hub. Highlighting Airbus’s commitment to the Make in India initiative, he praised the country’s exceptional combination of competence and competitiveness, which continues to bolster global aircraft and helicopter programmes. As Times Aerospace Events’ Managing Director Mark Brown noted, welcoming Westermeier to the summit underscores Airbus’s pivotal role in transforming India’s aviation ambitions into a reality. The stage is set for an inspiring exchange of ideas that will shape the skies of tomorrow!
A Legacy of Progress, A Future of Promise
The Aviation India & South Asia Summit builds upon the tremendous success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which attracted 582 delegates from across the aviation value chain. The 2025 edition is expected to raise the bar even higher, drawing over 800 delegates and 50 exhibitors, representing airlines, airports, OEMs, MRO specialists, regulators, and investors.
This event is part of a prestigious global series crafted by Times Aerospace Events (MESA), renowned for its *Aviation Africa* events that began in Dubai in 2015 and have since been held in Rwanda, Egypt, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa. The India edition marks another proud milestone—one that solidifies India’s place in a global community dedicated to the advancement of aviation excellence.
A Government Driving Transformation
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has catalyzed unprecedented growth, guided by principles of innovation, inclusivity, and infrastructure modernization. Policy reforms, investment-friendly regulations, and a strengthened commitment to connectivity have elevated India into one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The government’s emphasis on safety, sustainability, and domestic capability development complements the central theme of the 2025 Summit—shaping the pathway for Indian aviation.
The Road Ahead
As India stands on the cusp of aviation greatness, the conversations that will unfold in New Delhi this October are more than discussions—they are declarations of intent. Every agenda item, every panel debate, every handshake between industry leaders will contribute to a shared blueprint for the future.
Can India position itself as a global MRO hub? Absolutely—and the momentum is undeniable. With the collective will of industry champions like Air India, IndiGo, GMR Aero Technic, and the MRO Association of India, along with the government’s strong support and regulatory foresight, India is charting a bold course.
