- Bets Big on India, Opens Aerospace Electronics Facility in Telangana
- GMR Aerocity Welcomes FTG as Hyderabad’s Aerospace Story Reaches New Heights
- Make in India Gets Global Boost : ‘We Didn’t Come to Sell. We Came to Build’:
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 29 June 2026. India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem received a significant boost with the inauguration of FTG Aerospace India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian subsidiary of Canadian aerospace electronics manufacturer Firan Technology Group (FTG) Corporation, at the GMR Aerospace & Defence Park, Hyderabad. The launch marks FTG’s first manufacturing presence in India and reflects the country’s growing stature as a preferred destination for global aerospace and defence manufacturing under the Government of India’s Make in India initiative.
The launch ceremony brought together senior industry leaders and government representatives including Bradley C. Bourne, President & CEO, FTG Corporation; Eelco Hendrik Jager (Ed Jager), Minister (Commercial), High Commission of Canada, New Delhi; Praveen P.A., Director – Aerospace & Defence, Government of Telangana; and Himanshu Sharma, COO – Airport Land Development, GMR Aerocity Hyderabad, who outlined the strategic importance of the investment for both India and Canada.
The establishment of FTG Aerospace India reflects the growing strategic convergence between India and Canada in advanced manufacturing, aerospace technologies and innovation-led industrial development. Canada is globally recognised for its expertise in aerospace engineering, avionics, simulation technologies and aircraft systems, while India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace manufacturing destinations, supported by strong government initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Investments such as FTG’s Hyderabad facility not only strengthen bilateral trade but also encourage technology transfer, supply-chain integration, skills development and collaborative innovation. As both countries seek to diversify global supply chains and build resilient manufacturing ecosystems, partnerships of this nature are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Indo-Canadian aerospace and defence cooperation.
Ribbon Cutting Marks FTG’s Entry into India
The ceremony commenced with the traditional lamp lighting followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony, formally inaugurating FTG Aerospace India at the GMR Aerospace & Defence Park. Bradley C. Bourne, Ed Jager, Praveen P.A. and Himanshu Sharma jointly cut the ceremonial ribbon amidst applause from industry leaders, government officials and invited guests. The inauguration symbolised not merely the opening of another manufacturing facility but the beginning of a new Indo-Canadian aerospace partnership that promises to strengthen advanced manufacturing, technology transfer and supply chain integration between the two countries.
‘We Did Not Come Here Only to Sell. We Came Here to Build.’ Explaining FTG’s global expansion strategy and why India emerged as its preferred destination, Bradley C. Bourne, President & CEO of FTG Corporation, said the company carefully evaluated several countries before deciding to establish operations in India.
Introducing the journey that led FTG to Hyderabad, Bourne remarked:”We acquired another Canadian facility, acquired four facilities in the U.S. and opened a fifth facility there. We opened an aerospace facility in Tianjin, China and set up a joint facility. Then we decided on India.”
He explained that multiple Indian cities were evaluated before Hyderabad eventually emerged as the preferred choice. Highlighting the reasons behind the decision, he observed, “We travelled to Delhi, to Bangalore, to Chennai and to Hyderabad. All had things to offer, but in the end, we believed Hyderabad was our best option. There’s a growing aerospace hub here, a stronger focus on hardware compared to other locations, the Telangana Government was supportive and finally the GMR Aerocity Park seemed like the perfect location.”
Connecting FTG’s investment with India’s industrial vision, Bourne praised the Government of India’s manufacturing policy. Emphasising the company’s long-term commitment, he said, “Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India policy reinforces the need to have operations in the country, help increase capabilities here and contribute to the Indian economy. We intend to be a positive contributor to the objectives of India and the economy.”
Then came the statement that defined FTG’s India strategy. Speaking with conviction, Bourne declared, “We did not come here to India only to sell. We came here to build.” He explained that the Hyderabad facility would become an integral part of FTG’s cockpit products and avionics business. Describing the company’s capabilities, Bourne said, “Our facility here will be part of our cockpit products and avionics business. We manufacture assemblies that go into aircraft cockpits and mostly are the human-machine interface devices that pilots use when operating aircraft.”
He added that FTG’s products are already installed on virtually every category of aircraft worldwide. Highlighting the breadth of FTG’s portfolio, he noted, “Our products today go on virtually every type of aircraft—from air transport to business jets, general aviation and helicopters in the commercial market—but also on military aircraft from fighters to tankers, cargo aircraft and helicopters.” Introducing the leadership team that will steer the Indian operations, Bourne acknowledged those who transformed the project from concept to reality. Recognising his colleagues, he said, “Overall this business is led by Marco Vinica, who is with us today. This facility will be run by Brandon Cooper, who has managed the project to get us to this event today and I’m sure will make FTG Hyderabad a significant and successful part of FTG in the future.”
Looking beyond the present facility, Bourne hinted that this was only the beginning of FTG’s Indian journey. Sharing an exciting possibility, he revealed, “We have an option on the land next door, so we might all need to be back here in the next few years for the second opening of an FTG facility in India, possibly for manufacturing high-technology printed circuit boards for the aerospace and defence market.”
‘India Is a Partner We Can Trust’
Highlighting the strategic importance of Indo-Canadian economic engagement at a time of global uncertainty, Eelco Hendrik Jager (Ed Jager), Minister (Commercial), High Commission of Canada, New Delhi, described India as one of Canada’s most trusted international partners. Setting the tone for stronger bilateral cooperation, Jager observed, “It is more and more important that we have solid partners that we can trust in. India is such a partner.” Introducing the role of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, he explained the High Commission’s mission of promoting bilateral trade and investment. Explaining Canada’s commitment to business partnerships, he said,”I am really delighted to be standing in front of you today as the Minister (Commercial) for the High Commission of Canada. Basically, I manage the trade and investment programme that we have here. We have eight different offices in different cities of India doing all kinds of things we can to help Canadian companies do well here in India, and to help Indian companies do well in Canada.”
With a touch of humour, he acknowledged the importance of Hyderabad within Canada’s growing commercial engagement with India. Referring to Canada’s network in India, Jager remarked, “Of those eight offices, the most important today is Hyderabad.”
‘Hyderabad Has All the Building Blocks to Build Complete Aerospace Platforms’
Welcoming FTG Corporation to Telangana, Praveen P.A., Director – Aerospace & Defence, Government of Telangana, said the Canadian company’s decision to establish its first Indian manufacturing facility in Hyderabad was another milestone in the state’s emergence as one of the country’s leading aerospace and defence destinations.
Beginning with Hyderabad’s remarkable aerospace journey, Praveen highlighted how the city has steadily transformed into a preferred destination for global aerospace manufacturers. Pointing to the growing international confidence in Telangana, he said, “Hyderabad for the last ten years has been winning recognition as one of the best aerospace destinations. Spanish aerospace OEM ITP Aero has come in, and now with FTG from Canada, we have formed a truly cosmopolitan aerospace cluster.” Explaining the foundations of this ecosystem, Praveen credited decades of defence research and industrial development for creating an environment where global manufacturers can thrive.
Describing Hyderabad’s industrial strengths, he observed, “A lot of DRDO laboratories have been in the State for nearly sixty years. They have nurtured a large number of SMEs. Today, we have a cluster of around 1,500 SMEs working in electronics, mechanical engineering, composites, advanced materials, drones and autonomous systems. We have almost all the building blocks required for creating complete aerospace platforms in India, right here in Hyderabad.”
Turning directly to FTG’s leadership, Praveen assured the company that Hyderabad offered not only world-class infrastructure but also the skilled manpower and industrial partners required to support long-term manufacturing. Expressing confidence in the local ecosystem, he remarked, “I am sure that you will find it very easy to identify the right talent for your manufacturing plant as well as the right supply-chain partners for any work that needs to be offloaded. This is the right ecosystem.”
Recalling Telangana’s engagement with FTG before the investment decision, Praveen spoke candidly about the effort involved in convincing the Canadian company to choose Hyderabad. Reflecting on the investment journey with a smile, he said, “We had several rounds of meetings to convince them initially. Once the convincing is done, I don’t even have to know about it anymore because things start automatically—and today we are here.”
He emphasised that Telangana’s approach does not end with attracting investment. Instead, the government remains committed to supporting companies throughout their growth journey. Reiterating the government’s long-term commitment, Praveen said, “The Government will continue to provide every possible support. Whatever you require from the ecosystem, the ecosystem partners are aligned and ready to support FTG.” Congratulating FTG on the inauguration of its Indian operations, he concluded by assuring the company that Telangana would remain a committed partner in its future expansion. Ending on an encouraging note, he said, “Once again, congratulations to the entire FTG team. Thank you very much for trusting Hyderabad. It is a very pleasant and happy occasion for all of us.”
‘We Are Building More Than an Airport—We Are Building an Aerospace Ecosystem’
Concluding the inaugural session, Himanshu Sharma, Chief Operating Officer – Airport Land Development, GMR Aerocity Hyderabad, welcomed FTG into the rapidly expanding aerospace ecosystem at GMR Aerospace & Defence Park and highlighted the long-term vision behind the development of Hyderabad Aerocity.
Congratulating FTG on choosing Hyderabad over other competing destinations, Sharma remarked,”Brad, congratulations to you and the entire FTG team on this important milestone. We are delighted that FTG has come to Hyderabad for this significant investment and we are proud to welcome you to our growing aerospace family.” Acknowledging the competition among India’s leading aerospace hubs, he added with a touch of humour, “I understand there was tough competition from other places, especially Bengaluru. Thank you for ensuring that you landed in Hyderabad. By the way, you’re not missing much—the only thing you’ll probably miss there is the traffic!”
Reflecting on GMR’s long-term vision, Sharma explained that the objective had always extended far beyond building an airport. Describing the Aerocity concept, he said, “More than a decade ago, GMR set out with a vision—not just to build a world-class airport, but to build an integrated aviation and aerospace ecosystem around it.” Tracing the journey of the aerospace park, he highlighted the milestones that had shaped its growth.Looking back at the evolution of the ecosystem, he observed:
“The journey began with GMR Aero Technic, our MRO. We went through challenges initially, but we remained committed. Today, it has become an extremely successful business. Since then, companies such as Safran, Pratt & Whitney, CFM and pioneering space companies have joined the ecosystem. With FTG, the journey continues.”
Sharma assured FTG that the aerospace cluster would continue to expand with more global manufacturers joining the park. Speaking about the future, he emphasised talent development, saying, “Talent plays a very vital role in creating an ecosystem. Through the GMR School of Aviation we are helping create the next generation of aviation professionals. We invite FTG to partner with the School of Aviation to develop customised programmes.”
He then broadened the discussion beyond manufacturing to describe the integrated urban infrastructure being developed around the aerospace park. Presenting the larger Aerocity vision, Sharma explained,”A successful ecosystem needs more than industrial infrastructure. It also requires an urban environment where people can live, grow, thrive and enjoy life. Today we have Hotel Novotel already operational. We are developing six to seven more hotels, entertainment facilities, hospitality infrastructure, retail destinations, social housing, educational institutions and international schools as part of Hyderabad Aerocity.”
Acknowledging the proactive support extended by the Telangana Government, Sharma expressed his appreciation in unequivocal terms. Praising the state’s investment-friendly approach, he said, “I am not saying this simply because I am standing in Telangana. I am a die-hard Hyderabadi, and I must tell you that the level of commitment and support we receive from this Government is beyond anything else.”
Concluding his address, Sharma reaffirmed GMR’s commitment to partnering with industry and government in building a globally competitive aerospace destination.
Looking towards the future, he stated, “Together with the Government of Telangana, our industry partners and companies like FTG, Hyderabad Aerocity is becoming a globally competitive destination for aerospace, advanced manufacturing, innovation and sustainable development. As we inaugurate this facility today, we are also strengthening the foundation of the next chapter of Hyderabad Aerocity. Brad, thank you once again for your confidence in Hyderabad Aerocity and in GMR. We are proud to welcome FTG to our growing aerospace family.”
The inauguration of FTG Aerospace India Pvt. Ltd. marks far more than the opening of a new manufacturing facility—it signifies the deepening of India’s integration into the global aerospace supply chain. By choosing Hyderabad as its first Indian manufacturing base, FTG has reaffirmed confidence in Telangana’s mature aerospace ecosystem, India’s engineering talent and the country’s long-term manufacturing ambitions. The launch also underscores the growing momentum in Indo-Canadian aerospace cooperation, where investment, technology, innovation and trusted partnerships are converging to create new opportunities for both nations. As Hyderabad continues to attract leading global aerospace companies, the city is steadily cementing its position as one of Asia’s foremost destinations for aerospace and defence manufacturing.
