GE Aerospace expects its footprint to grow significantly over the next decade, with its JV with Safran, CFM International, anticipating increase in installed engine base in India
| Photo Credit: Reuters
GE Aerospace aims to nearly double its annual component sourcing from India to $400 million by 2030, from about $200 million in 2025, as it expands its presence in the country’s growing aviation market.
The company expects its footprint to grow significantly over the next decade, with its joint venture with Safran, CFM International, anticipating a substantial increase in its installed engine base in India.
CFM International had a fleet of more than 1,400 commercial engines in India as of December 2025. This is expected to rise to 3,200 engines over the next nine to 10 years.
“This will mean that nine out of 10 engines in India will be powered by either GE or CFM within the next decade,” Vikram Rai, GE Aerospace’s South Asia CEO, told journalists at a press gathering.
The expansion comes amid rising aircraft orders by Indian airlines, which are seeking to capitalise on growing passenger traffic and increasing demand for air travel.
In July 2026, IndiGo announced a memorandum of understanding with CFM International to order more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines for 510 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. The agreement also includes support for setting up the airline’s upcoming engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility.
The growing engine fleet and demand for maintenance services are expected to create opportunities for Indian suppliers and strengthen the country’s role in the global aerospace supply chain.
Indian suppliers already contribute components to several GE Aerospace commercial and defence programmes, including the LEAP, GEnx and GE9X commercial engines, as well as the F414 engine intended for the Tejas Mk2 fighter aircraft programme.
Their contributions span a range of manufacturing activities, including fasteners, tubes and ductwork, forgings and precision machining.
GE Aerospace’s Pune facility manufactures aero-engine components and serves as a key global sourcing base for the company. It also operates a technology centre in Bengaluru, established in 2000.
Engineers at the Bengaluru centre are helping develop and scale service and maintenance technologies aimed at improving engine durability, reliability and time on wing — the period an engine remains in service before requiring removal for maintenance — for customers worldwide.
The work includes durability testing for engines operating in demanding environments characterised by high dust levels and extreme temperatures, conditions particularly relevant to several markets where aircraft face challenging operating environments.
Published – October 12, 2026 09:01 pm IST
