GE Aerospace, a leading global engine manufacturer, plans to significantly increase its sourcing of components from India, recognizing the country’s rapidly expanding aviation market, as reported by PTI.

Mahendra Nair, Group Vice President for Commercial Programs, highlighted India’s growing importance in the company's global supply chain, stating, “India has capable companies with the right engineering talent and production footprint. As long as they meet our technical standards, there is substantial growth potential.”

Currently, GE Aerospace operates a manufacturing facility in Pune and has a strong presence at the John F. Welch Technology Centre in Bengaluru, collaborating with 13 major suppliers, including Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL).

Vikram Rai, South Asia CEO, noted that sourcing from India has surged 20-fold between 2018 and 2022, emphasizing India’s potential for tremendous growth and the company’s commitment to expanding its sourcing footprint.

India is one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets globally, with domestic airlines continuously expanding their fleets. GE Aerospace’s joint venture with Safran Aircraft Engines powers many narrow-body aircraft in India with LEAP engines, with around 1,300 GE Aerospace and CFM engines currently operational on Indian carriers.

In the defense sector, GE Aerospace’s systems are integral, powering platforms like the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas Mk1) and various naval aircraft.

Despite global supply chain challenges, Nair remains optimistic, stating, “The aerospace supply chain is under strain, and stabilization may take two more years. However, demand continues to rise by 25 percent annually.”

GE Aerospace employs approximately 3,000 people in India, and its GEnx commercial engines have recently surpassed two million flight hours with South Asian airlines, with Air India operating more than 90% of the total flight hours.