AI invites offers to manage Nagpur MRO ops

Air India has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from private parties to operate and manage its airframe Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Nagpur.

Companies that can maintain and overhaul Airbus and Boeing aircraft and components are interested to operate maintain and manage airframe MRO business on revenue sharing basis or similar models can submit EOI, officials said.

With around 400 aircraft of different models of Airbus and Boeing family, operated by Indian operators in the country, and by other airlines of neighbouring countries, Air India believes that it provides enormous business potential for airframe MRO.

Air India owns the MRO facility in Nagpur plot measuring 50 acres and with two hangers. Air India will remain owner of the MRO facility. The interested party has to carry out airframe MRO work and generate revenue with its own manpower, the EOI document said. The last date for submitting EOI documents is February 24.

Technical qualification

Technically qualified and capable parties offering highest revenue sto Air India would be offered to “operate, maintain and manage” the MRO. However, “Air India’s GEnx test house facility and GE Branded Engine workshop project, which is being set up in the adjacent premises, are not part of the offer in the EOI.”

The MRO has been built with on an outlay of $120 million in setting up the facilities, including the equipment and tools.

Air India is looking at companies that have at least 10 years experience in wide-body airframe MRO business.

“The interested party should be a profitable organisation and its current net worth should be positive,” the Expression of Interest said, adding the applicant should also have a turnover of $50 million and five clients.