Collins Aerospace significantly expanding operations in India, targets India as Major Sourcing Hub

By R Anil Kumar

• Collins Aerospace announces plans to invest $200 million in research and development (R&D) and production facilities in Bengaluru, India

• This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance manufacturing capabilities and leverage India’s skilled workforce

• Collins Aerospace is partnering with local educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science, to foster research and development initiatives

• India’s aviation market is currently ranked as the third largest,globally. The country’s air passenger growth is projected to reach 478 million by 2036, making it an attractive location for aerospace companies

Bengaluru, November 3. Collins Aerospace is significantly expanding its operations in India, positioning the country as a major sourcing hub for aerospace components. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance manufacturing capabilities and leverage India’s skilled workforce.

Collins Aerospace has announced plans to invest $200 million in research and development (R&D) and production facilities in India.

This investment will primarily support the establishment of a new manufacturing site near Bengaluru airport, which is expected to facilitate the production of advanced Aerostructures, interiors, and avionics. The facility will also include a test centre that will allow for qualification and certification processes to be conducted locally, enhancing efficiency in product development.

The company aims to triple its sourcing from Indian suppliers over the next three to four years, reflecting confidence in India’s competitive manufacturing landscape and robust aerospace ecosystem.

Currently employing about 5,000 people in India (with 3,000 engineers), Collins Aerospace plans to hire an additional 2,000 employees within the next decade. This growth is expected to bolster local engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

Collins Aerospace is partnering with local educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science, to foster research and development initiatives. This collaboration aims to enhance technological innovation within the aerospace sector.

India’s aviation market is one of the largest globally, currently ranked as the third largest. The country’s air passenger growth is projected to reach 478 million by 2036, making it an attractive location for aerospace companies.

Collins Aerospace’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in India aligns with its goal of tapping into this burgeoning market while also contributing to local economic development through job creation and skill enhancement.

Local Manufacturing Benefits:

By localising production, Collins Aerospace anticipates reduced operational costs and improved supply chain efficiencies.

The new facility will enable Collins Aerospace to manage all stages of product development from design to certification within India, thereby streamlining processes and fostering innovation.

Collins Aerospace’s strategic investment in India underscores its commitment to becoming a key player in the global aerospace industry while simultaneously supporting India’s growth as a major manufacturing hub.

Collins Aerospace plans to make India a key sourcing hub for aeronautical equipment on the back of the country’s competitive manufacturing capabilities.

Presently, the aeronautical equipment maker produces nacelles, landing gear, flight deck avionics, sensors, and interiors.

Notably, these parts are used in most commercial platforms that operate in India, such as Boeing, Airbus, ATR, Embraer, and Bombardier aircraft.

Speaking exclusively with R. Anil Kumar, India Strategic, Savyasachi Srinivas, Vice President, Engineering, Collins Aerospace, said that the company is concentrating on bringing the manufacturing of advanced aerostructures, interiors, and avionics to India.

“As one of the largest exporters of aerospace products in India, Collins Aerospace has helped the country become a major aerospace manufacturing hub with a thriving ecosystem,” he said.

Accordingly, Collins Aerospace is working with nearly 200 suppliers in India and “is committed to expanding such partnerships further.”

“We are actively participating with supplier partners from the Indian region to grow sourcing to 3x levels over the next 3-4 years,” he said.

The growth in sourcing, Srinivas pointed out, is multifaceted, driven by India’s competitive manufacturing capabilities, a robust aerospace ecosystem, and a talented pool of engineers and technicians.

At present, Collins has invested $200 million in expanding its R&D and production facilities in India.

Key focus

“Collin’s key focus for this investment will be our manufacturing sites close to the Bengaluru airport. In fact, for Collins, Bengaluru is the only site that works with all six portfolios of our company, including avionics, interiors, advanced structures, and connected aviation solutions,” he said.

“We are exploring additional investment in the future to further enhance our engineering, aftermarket, and manufacturing capabilities in the country.”

Besides, he said that government’s supportive policies towards aerospace and defence manufacturing have also played a crucial role in this development.

“India has emerged as a key sourcing destination for us, and we’re committed to growing our partnership with the Indian industry,” Srinivas said.

“Our commitment to India is steadfast, underpinned by long-term considerations beyond immediate currency or supply chain movements.”

The planned expansion is expected to have a significant impact on India’s aerospace sector, creating new opportunities for local suppliers and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Beyond commercial aviation, Collins has a long history of supporting the Indian Air Force (IAF) through products on platforms like the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1, and on current platforms like C17, C295, C130J, P-8I, AH-64E, CH-47F and MH-60R.