Air India MRO shift sparks major maintenance revamp .

June 2, 2025 | New Delhi

Air India is in the process of shifting its aircraft maintenance operations from Turkish Technic to other international providers. The decision follows widespread public criticism due to Turkey’s political stance, especially its support for Pakistan during recent conflicts. The move marks a significant shift in Air India’s operational planning and reflects the influence of public sentiment on corporate decisions.

Air India MRO shift: National sentiment drives operational change

Public calls to boycott Turkish services grew after Turkey supported Pakistan amid rising diplomatic tensions.
In response, Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, addressed these concerns. He said the airline is realigning its maintenance partnerships.

He emphasized that while immediate changes aren’t feasible, the airline is committed to gradually finding alternative providers.

Air India currently uses Turkish Technic, a well-known MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) provider, for servicing its wide-body aircraft. However, in light of recent events, the airline plans to shift operations to facilities in Southeast Asia, West Asia, and North America. This transition is expected to take place in phases, as the company ensures aircraft safety and compliance throughout the process.

Air India MRO shift: India eyes long-term MRO independence

India has long faced challenges in developing its own large-scale MRO facilities. With limited domestic capacity for wide-body aircraft maintenance, reliance on international firms like Turkish Technic has been unavoidable. Now, however, the current geopolitical climate has added urgency to boosting local capabilities.

Air India has already started constructing a state-of-the-art MRO center in Bengaluru. The facility is expected to be operational by early 2026. It will handle heavy maintenance for narrow-body and wide-body fleets.
Officials believe this move will reduce reliance on foreign providers. It may also attract global clients and boost India’s MRO standing.

Broader implications across aviation sector

The move aligns with other decisions made by Indian authorities. Recently, the government revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Celebi, suspending its activities in nine Indian airports. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation denied IndiGo’s request to extend its wet lease for two Turkish Airlines aircraft, granting only a short extension with a clear directive to phase it out.

These steps indicate a clear shift in policy, favoring domestic partnerships and less reliance on countries perceived as politically unsupportive. For the aviation sector, this marks a broader movement toward strategic self-reliance in critical services like aircraft maintenance and ground operations.

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