• Suresh Rahangdale on Civil-Military MRO Synergy & Female Leadership

By Sangeeta Saxena

Mumbai. 14 July 2025. At the intersection of India’s growing aviation ambitions and the spirit of self-reliance stands RSR Aviation Services Pvt Ltd—a Mumbai-based MRO startup with a bold vision to reshape the nation’s aerospace ecosystem. In an exclusive conversation with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU), Suresh Rahangdale, Director of RSR Aviation Services, discusses the company’s journey, its upcoming APU MRO facility in Nagpur, their indigenously developed aviation paints, and a roadmap that aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. With strategic plans to capture regional markets, technical collaborations with international players, and a customer base spanning from DRDO and ISRO to Air India, RSR is carving a niche as a dynamic force in the aviation MRO and defence coatings sector. RSR Aviation specializes in supplying top-tier paints and coatings that meet stringent aerospace standards, ensuring safety, performance, and regulatory compliance for aircraft maintenance.

ADU. RSR aviation hit headlines in Paris Air Show 2025. Can you elaborate on it?

Suresh Rahangdale. RSR Aviation Services Pvt Ltd, an Indian company, has partnered with Alpha Aircraft Systems from the USA to establish an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) overhaul and testing facility in India. This joint venture aims to strengthen the Indian aerospace MRO sector and support the Make in India initiative. The facility is planned to be operational by the second quarter of 2026, with Alpha Aircraft Systems providing technical expertise, training, and support.

ADU. Tell us about the origins of RSR Aviation and its core focus.

Suresh Rahangdale. RSR Aviation Services was born in Pune and we have established ourselves as a DGCA-approved MRO company catering to both civil and military aviation. Our primary goal is to offer world-class maintenance services, and we pride ourselves on trust, transparency, and safety, which is why many clients have stayed with us from day one.

ADU. What kind of MRO services do you offer?

Suresh Rahangdale. We offer comprehensive aircraft maintenance, particularly for helicopters like the Bell 407, Bell 412, and Airbus AS350 series. Our engineers are certified and trained to handle these platforms, and our scope includes line maintenance, periodic checks, structural repairs, and parts management. We’re also proud to support state governments with their helicopter fleets and are expanding to serve defence clients more closely.

ADU. RSR Aviation has gained traction in the defence sector. Can you elaborate?

Suresh Rahangdale. Yes, we’re collaborating with defence forces for maintenance of utility helicopters. We already serve air ambulance, VIP transport, and other civilian missions, but our experience is equally valuable for military requirements. We’ve initiated proposals for long-term MRO support to agencies like HAL and Indian Armed Forces. Given our reliability and turnaround times, we’re confident of contributing meaningfully to India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.

ADU. What sets RSR apart from other MRO players?

Suresh Rahangdale. First, our people. We have built a loyal, expert team. Second, our leadership—Reena Paigude has driven the company’s growth with unwavering commitment. And third, our emphasis on safety and transparency. We avoid overcharging, never compromise on quality, and maintain open communication with clients. That’s why our customer retention is nearly 100%.

ADU. What made you choose Nagpur as the location for your upcoming APU MRO facility?

Suresh Rahangdale. We chose Nagpur because of its excellent connectivity. Whether you’re coming from the south, east, west, or north—road access is fantastic. That centrality gives us a logistical advantage for an MRO facility. After thoroughly analyzing the market, we found that around 830 to 850 APUs (Auxiliary Power Units) undergo repair and maintenance in India annually. Shockingly, this entire segment is being serviced outside the country right now.

ADU. That sounds like a major gap in the Indian MRO ecosystem.

Suresh Rahangdale. Absolutely. We’re talking about more than ₹2,000 crore worth of business going abroad every year. And it’s not just about the money—it’s about capital flight. India loses not only revenue but also opportunities for jobs, tech development, and strategic capability. So our idea is to bring that business home and strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. But of course, we are aware of the challenges. Most airlines already have long-term contracts with global power-by-the-hour providers. These are big companies with legacy networks.

ADU. That must be a challenge for a startup like yours.

Suresh Rahangdale. Yes, we are a startup, and setting up a full-scale APU MRO facility is no small task. It involves acquiring the right equipment, training skilled technicians, and building customer confidence. It’s going to take time, but we are committed. We plan to have the Nagpur facility operational by Q3 of 2026, and that’s when we expect to start generating revenue and servicing machines.

ADU. And whose APUs will you be servicing initially?

Suresh Rahangdale. Initially, we are targeting smaller operators, regional airlines, and private players looking for cost-effective and local MRO solutions. Our aim is to build trust with quality work and gradually expand into the commercial airline segment once the facility gains operational maturity and necessary certifications.

ADU. What’s your current marketing strategy? Is it focused solely on Indian airlines, or are you also eyeing the broader regional market including countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka?

Suresh Rahangdale. We’re looking at the complete South East Asian market. Our aim is to serve not just India, but also our neighbouring countries in the region. The market potential in this part of the world is significant, and we want to tap into it effectively.

ADU. Since your technical partner is based out of Miami, are you envisioning this as more than a regional play—perhaps something aligned with the spirit of “Make in India, Make for the World”?

Suresh Rahangdale. Correct. That’s exactly the idea. We want to create an MRO hub in India that services not just the domestic fleet but also becomes a global destination for APU and component maintenance.

ADU. So you’re planning a dual-pronged marketing strategy for both Indian and international markets?

Suresh Rahangdale. Yes, absolutely. We’ve already onboarded several experienced professionals from the aviation industry to help us execute this strategy. Their expertise will be instrumental in expanding our footprint both within India and across the international MRO landscape.

ADU. We understand that you also have a paint manufacturing unit. Could you tell us more about that?

Suresh Rahangdale. Yes, we have our own paint manufacturing shop. It’s a part of our broader Make in India initiative.

ADU. That’s interesting. Do you have any technical collaborations for this paint unit?

Suresh Rahangdale. Absolutely. We have a technical collaboration with 3Chem USA for our paint business. They’re sharing their technology with us, and we’re also developing our own capabilities through our in-house R&D centre where we’re conducting extensive experiments.

ADU. And who are your key customers for these paints?

Suresh Rahangdale. Our major clients include the defence sector—missiles, rockets, tanks, you name it. We supply to Indian defence forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, through defence PSUs like BEL, BHEL, DRDO, ISRO, and L&T Defence.

ADU. Are you also working with any commercial aviation clients?

Suresh Rahangdale. Yes, we’ve started supplying to Air India as well. Initially, we sent them a few samples, which were accepted, and now we’re delivering larger volumes. We’ve already delivered thousands of litres, and the response has been excellent.

RSR Aviation Services Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Pune and with operational capabilities across India, is a DGCA-certified Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company. The firm specializes in helicopter maintenance with a strong portfolio that includes civil and state-government aircraft. RSR focuses on speed, safety, and cost-effectiveness—making it a trusted MRO partner for both public and private operators. With strategic plans to engage with defence customers and expand its footprint, RSR stands as a model of Make in India aviation entrepreneurship.

But very few would know that the company is led by Director Reena Paigude making  RSR one of the rare MRO companies in India spearheaded by a woman entrepreneur who is actively building partnerships with OEMs, state aviation departments, and defence agencies to deliver quality-driven maintenance support that meets global standards. World over, women remain underrepresented in the MRO sector, yet those who enter it are increasingly making a mark—whether through aviation engineering startups, aircraft component manufacturing, or independent maintenance units. Women-led MRO companies are breaking stereotypes and contributing to aerospace innovation with a strong focus on safety, sustainability and inclusion. In India, the aviation MRO industry has been predominantly male-dominated, but women like Reena Paigude are challenging this norm.

ADU. How does it feel to be a part of a MRO company led by a woman entrepreneur – which is a rarity in today’s aviation MRO sector?

Suresh Rahangdale. As founder of RSR Aviation Services, she has set an inspiring precedent for aspiring female entrepreneurs in the sector. Her journey reflects a rare blend of grit and grace, proving that women can lead high-tech, high-trust aviation businesses and build strategic partnerships with government and military alike.

With a hands-on approach, Reena has ensured that the company stands out for itsintegrity, efficiency, and client focus. She continues to break new ground as one of the few women leading an aviation maintenance company in India. An ode to a subtle but definitely happening change in the male bastion of the aviation MRO world.

As told to Sangeeta Saxena