Kochi: In a major boost to India’s indigenous aircraft maintenance ambitions, Cochin International Aviation Services Limited (CIASL) has launched a ₹50 crore expansion project that aims to position Kochi as a competitive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in South Asia. The development signals a significant stride in regionalizing MRO capabilities in India and offers a critical alternative to the current dependence on overseas facilities in Singapore, the UAE, and Sri Lanka.
The expansion includes the construction of CIASL’s third MRO hangar, a state-of-the-art facility spanning 53,800 square feet with a targeted completion window of eight months. The stone-laying ceremony was officiated by CIASL Chairman S Suhas, who emphasized that the initiative is an essential component of Kerala’s aviation roadmap.
“This hangar is part of our mission to establish a complete aviation ecosystem in Kerala. It supports our goal of self-sufficiency in aircraft maintenance, brings foreign exchange earnings, and creates high-skilled jobs for the state,” Suhas stated.
Strategically situated next to the upcoming CIASL Business Park at Cochin International Airport, the new hangar is being designed to support far more than traditional narrowbody airliners. It will provide flexible MRO services for business jets, helicopters, and seaplanes, reflecting India’s fast-diversifying aviation landscape.
The facility will also feature 7,000 square feet of office and workshop space, component repair stations, and non-destructive testing (NDT) capabilities, allowing for comprehensive maintenance solutions under one roof. These developments underscore CIASL’s ambition to be more than a regional player, setting the stage for international maintenance contracts and third-party airline partnerships.
“We aim to complete construction in eight months. This third hangar, with its enhanced capacity and unique covered aircraft parking infrastructure, will deliver unparalleled services to airlines. We are also preparing for phase 2 development worth ₹150 crore,” said Santosh J. Poovattil, Managing Director, CIASL.
India’s MRO industry has long struggled with fragmentation, regulatory bottlenecks, and a significant outflow of aircraft for servicing to foreign shores. Major domestic airlines still send aircraft to Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the Gulf region for heavy checks and specialized repair work. According to industry estimates, this results in hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange outflow annually.
With its tropical monsoon climate and proximity to key South Indian air routes, Kochi is well-positioned to become a reliable MRO destination for both domestic carriers and international airlines operating into South Asia.
Adding to its list of firsts, CIASL is also introducing Kerala’s first-ever covered aircraft parking facility, an expansive 350,000 sq ft structure designed to accommodate up to 13 narrowbody aircraft simultaneously.
This infrastructure is not merely about capacity; it addresses a critical need for asset protection in regions vulnerable to extreme monsoon rains, salt-laden coastal winds, and high UV exposure. Covered parking not only enhances aircraft longevity but also offers greater privacy and security, particularly appealing to the corporate and private jet segments.
This makes the facility especially attractive for charter operators, VVIP missions, corporate fleets, and international business aircraft looking for secure stopovers or long-term parking in India.
With India projected to operate over 2,000 commercial aircraft by 2030, the need for regional MRO support is more urgent than ever. Kochi’s growing ecosystem, backed by government support and public-private investment, could serve as a replicable model for other Tier-2 cities.
