Safran is evaluating opportunities to expand its presence in India beyond its traditional aircraft engine business as the country’s aviation sector enters a new phase of growth driven by large aircraft orders and rising passenger traffic.
According to reporting by businessline, JS Gavankar, CEO and Country Head of Safran India, said the company sees India as a strategic market across multiple business verticals, including propulsion, aerospace equipment and aviation interiors.
“India’s aviation growth story is compelling enough to attract every division of Safran,” Gavankar told the publication.
The remarks come as Indian carriers continue to build some of the world's largest aircraft order books, creating long-term demand for engines, components, cabin products and maintenance services.
Demand shifts beyond aircraft operations
While Safran already has operations in India spanning aircraft engines and aerospace equipment, the company sees opportunities to deepen its participation across the broader aviation value chain.
The expansion reflects changing industry dynamics as airlines increasingly require support services and products beyond aircraft acquisition.
According to Gavankar, the scale of aircraft orders and passenger growth is creating significant opportunities in aviation interiors and maintenance.
“With Indian carriers having ordered over 2,000 aircraft and a rapidly growing passenger base, the demand pull for aviation interior solutions, including MRO, is enormous,” he said.
India's aviation market has emerged as one of the fastest-growing globally, prompting aerospace manufacturers and suppliers to strengthen local capabilities and partnerships.
Growth plans tied to aviation ecosystem expansion
Safran has not announced any specific investment commitment or timeline for new projects in India. However, the company indicated that future growth will be supported by broader participation across several business segments.
Key targets outlined by the company include:
The company expects Indian suppliers to play a larger role in its global manufacturing and supply chain network over the coming years.
India pushes for deeper aerospace manufacturing capabilities
Safran's plans align with India's broader objective of increasing domestic value addition in the aerospace sector.
As airline fleets expand, demand is expected to rise not only for engines and aircraft components but also for cabin equipment, seating systems, interiors, repair services and other aviation-related products.
The country's growing aviation ecosystem has become a focal point for global aerospace companies seeking long-term growth opportunities and supply chain diversification.
For Safran, the next phase of expansion appears to be linked not only to aircraft propulsion but also to the wider network of products and services supporting India's rapidly expanding aviation industry.
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