2. At a recent international conference on the future of India’s aviation and aerospace industry held in Bangalore,
several industry leaders raised two key concerns that could slow down India’s rapid growth. These include the
shortage of skilled professionals and the heavy dependence on imported components. With nearly 98 per cent
of aviation parts still sourced from abroad, many believe this could become a significant obstacle, especially
following the reciprocal tariffs announced by the United States that are expected to affect all imports.
3. According to Grand View Research, India’s
aerospace parts manufacturing market was valued
at US$13.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at
a compound annual rate of 6.8 per cent from 2024
to 2030. As airlines expand their fleets and
modernise aircraft, the demand for aerospace
components is expected to increase. Experts believe
this is the right time for India to develop a stronger
domestic base to reduce reliance on international
suppliers.
We are still assessing the impact of the US tariffs,
particularly for India which has placed large orders
for newer aircraft. North America accounts for
around 50 per cent of the global aerospace parts
market, and the new tariff is likely to increase the
cost of imported components and raise
maintenance and repair expenses. In this scenario,
one practical solution is to step up efforts toward
indigenisation, especially in manufacturing,” says
Jaideep Mirchandani, group chairman of Sky One.
4. He adds that with more passenger traffic and expanding
airline operations, the demand for MRO services within
India will continue to grow. “This trend can drive the need
for locally made aircraft components and related
services. India’s strengths in software development,
cost-effective labour, ease of doing business, and
supportive policies offer a strong foundation for
aerospace manufacturers to establish and scale
operations,” says Mr Mirchandani.
He points out that Indian companies producing landing
gear, wing structures, fuselage sections, electrical
switches, and motion control systems are now playing a
crucial role in the supply chain. “Many leading aircraft
and engine makers are already sourcing parts from
India. We are also seeing increasing partnerships
between Indian suppliers and global manufacturers,
which can lead to better technology access and
improved production capabilities. Strengthening the
MRO sector, investing in research and development, and
developing a skilled workforce are all essential steps in
building a reliable indigenous manufacturing
ecosystem,” he concludes.