GE Aerospace Plans to Double India Supplier Spend by 2030

Strengthening the Indian Aerospace Supply Chain

GE Aerospace has announced a strategic initiative to nearly double its spending on Indian suppliers between 2025 and 2030. This commitment reflects the company's focus on strengthening its domestic supply chain to accommodate the rapid growth of the Indian aviation market. According to a new report titled 'Powering Progress: GE Aerospace's Economic Impact in India', the company spent approximately $200 million on its Indian supply chain in 2025. By 2030, this expenditure is projected to increase to approximately $400 million.

The announcement was made in conjunction with the 'India Taking Flight' event, which focused on the intersection of aviation, innovation, and India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. The report highlights that GE Aerospace and its partners power the majority of commercial airline operations in India, maintaining a fleet of more than 1,400 engines as of December 2025. These engines have supported Indian carriers in achieving a passenger load factor of 88.2%, which is reported as the highest globally, alongside aircraft utilization rates of 12 to 14 hours per day.

Commercial Aviation and MRO Opportunities

India’s commercial aviation sector is experiencing significant expansion, with domestic airlines generating approximately $19 billion in revenue during the 2025-26 financial year. Government of India estimates cited in the report project that annual domestic passenger traffic will reach 1.1 billion by 2040, a substantial increase from the 340 million recorded in FY26. To support this trajectory, the nation's airport network is expected to grow from 163 to more than 350 airports by 2047.

This growth creates a robust demand for new aircraft and maintenance services. It is estimated that India and South Asia will require approximately 3,300 additional aircraft—equivalent to 6,600 engines—by 2044. In July 2026, IndiGo announced a memorandum of understanding with CFM International for an order of more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. This record-setting order also includes support for the establishment of an engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the airline. The report estimates that the broader Indian MRO industry faces an opportunity worth more than $5.5 billion as local carriers induct approximately 1,500 new aircraft.

Manufacturing and Engineering Footprint

GE Aerospace has centered its manufacturing operations in India at a flagship facility in Pune. Since 2024, the company has invested nearly $55 million in the site to enhance automation, precision manufacturing, and workforce development. This facility currently supports a supply chain of 17 major Indian partners. Furthermore, the company’s Bengaluru Technology Centre, established in 2000 with a $200 million investment, remains a critical hub for global engineering. The center has secured more than 1,000 aviation patents and holds key design responsibilities for the GE90, GP7200, GEnx, and GE9X engine programs.

Defense Partnerships and Self-Reliance

Beyond commercial aviation, the company maintains a long-standing partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), dating back to 1986. This collaboration supports the LM2500 naval engines and the F404-IN20 engines used on the Tejas Mk1 light combat aircraft. The company has also signed a five-year Performance Based Logistics contract with the Indian Air Force for Apache helicopter engines. While a 2023 memorandum of understanding covers the potential domestic manufacture of F414 engines for the Tejas Mk2, this arrangement remains subject to final agreements and necessary approvals.

Why This Matters for the Global Supply Chain

This development signals a significant shift toward the localization of aerospace manufacturing and MRO capabilities within India. By doubling its supplier spend and investing in local engineering talent, GE Aerospace is positioning itself to capture the rising demand for engine maintenance and support as the Indian fleet expands. For the broader industry, this trend reflects a strategic move to integrate Indian manufacturers deeper into the global aerospace supply chain, aligning with India's national objective of enhancing domestic industrial self-reliance.