GE Aerospace deepens ties with India to fuel aviation growth amid global supply chain challenges

GE Aerospace is taking bold steps to strengthen its partnerships in India, capitalizing on the country’s booming aviation sector. The company is significantly ramping up its component sourcing from India, as the country emerges as one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets in the world. This strategic move comes in response to the rapid expansion of Indian airlines, which are building larger fleets to meet the rising demand for air travel. As per a report in Rediff Moneynews, South Asia CEO of GE Aerospace, Vikram Rai, revealed that sourcing from India has skyrocketed, increasing 20-fold between 2018 and 2022, demonstrating India’s growing role in the global aerospace supply chain.

This surge in demand comes at a critical time for the global aerospace industry, which is grappling with supply chain issues. Mahendra Nair, Group Vice President for Commercial Programs at GE Aerospace, explained that these supply chain disruptions are unlikely to improve until at least 2026, as the demand for components grows by 25% annually. Despite these challenges, India remains a vital partner in GE Aerospace’s operations, with the company relying on the country’s suppliers to sustain its manufacturing output.

India’s contribution to GE Aerospace’s success is further evident in the defense sector, where the company provides engines for key aircraft like the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1. The partnership also extends to the commercial aviation sector, where the company’s GEnx engines power Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 747-8s. South Asian airlines, led by Air India, Vistara, and Biman Bangladesh, have clocked more than two million flight hours using GEnx engines, solidifying the region’s importance to GE Aerospace’s global operations.

India’s aviation market is not only expanding in terms of passenger traffic but also contributing significantly to global sustainability goals. GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines are 15% more fuel-efficient and emit 15% less CO2 than their predecessors, aligning with the aviation industry’s push toward sustainability. The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 on long-haul routes further cements the role of advanced technology in achieving cleaner, more efficient air travel.

GE Aerospace’s strong foothold in India also aligns with the country’s ambitions under the “Make in India” initiative, fostering local manufacturing and innovation. The company’s collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. and other Indian firms has created a robust ecosystem that supports both the Indian and global aerospace industries. This strategic move positions India as a critical hub in GE Aerospace’s supply chain, helping to address the growing demand for aircraft components and high-tech aviation solutions across the world.

Expert Insight: Mahendra Nair on India’s strategic importance

Mahendra Nair emphasized that GE Aerospace’s operations in India are not just about sourcing components but also about contributing to the country’s technological advancement. India’s engineering talent and expertise in manufacturing have been pivotal in supporting GE Aerospace’s global ambitions, particularly at a time when the aerospace industry is dealing with unprecedented challenges. Nair highlighted that India’s skilled workforce and expanding aviation market make it a crucial player in both commercial and defense aviation sectors.