Air India has begun construction on a new aircraft maintenance hangar at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This new facility aims to improve the airline's in-house maintenance capabilities by accommodating both widebody and narrowbody aircraft at the same time, a first for Delhi. The hangar will help Air India reduce aircraft ground time and streamline maintenance operations at its largest hub.
What is the purpose of the new MRO hangar?
The new hangar is designed to centralize key engineering and maintenance activities for Air India's fleet at Delhi airport. By bringing inspections, cabin upkeep, and repairs under one roof, the airline expects to reduce the time aircraft spend on the ground. This consolidation will also improve operational oversight and efficiency.
How will the hangar improve maintenance efficiency?
The facility will include integrated engineering offices and an on-site spare-parts warehouse. This setup will streamline workflows and reduce logistics costs. Additionally, a dedicated cabin maintenance unit will allow faster repairs of aircraft interiors, reducing dependence on third-party vendors. Direct access to technical teams and spare parts will speed up the recovery of aircraft grounded due to technical issues.
What are the design features of the new hangar?
The hangar will cover nine acres and have a clear height of 25 meters with large column-free spans. This design will accommodate next-generation aircraft and allow for long-term scalability. The project will also include advanced fire protection systems and follow Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) norms for energy and water conservation, supporting Air India's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Who attended the groundbreaking ceremony?
The groundbreaking event was attended by Air India's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tewolde Gebremariam, along with senior executives from the airline and Delhi International Airport Limited. Their presence highlights the importance of this project for Air India's future operations.
- The hangar will be the first in Delhi to service widebody and narrowbody aircraft simultaneously.
- Centralizing maintenance activities will reduce aircraft ground time.
- On-site spare parts and dedicated cabin maintenance will speed up repairs.
- The design supports future aircraft and includes green building features.
- Senior Air India and airport officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of aircraft will the new hangar accommodate?
A: The hangar will accommodate one widebody and one narrowbody aircraft simultaneously, making it versatile for different aircraft types.
Q: How will the new hangar reduce aircraft ground time?
A: By centralizing inspections, cabin upkeep, and repairs, the hangar will allow maintenance tasks to be completed more quickly and efficiently, reducing the time aircraft spend on the ground.
Q: What environmental standards will the hangar follow?
A: The project will follow Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) norms for energy and water conservation, aligning with Air India's environmental, social, and governance commitments.
