- From MRO to Manufacturing: India-France Dialogue Sets Roadmap at Paris Air Show
- Safety, Sustainability, and Synergy: Key Themes at GIFAS-FICCI Industry Forum
By Sangeeta Saxena
Le Bourget, Paris. 19 June 2025. India and France reaffirmed their strategic aerospace partnership at the Paris Air Show 2025, with a high-powered industry forum jointly hosted by GIFAS (Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales) and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry). Under the overarching themes of safety, sustainability, and synergy, the summit spotlighted the growing depth of Indo-French collaboration across civil aviation, defence, and aerospace manufacturing. From advancing MRO capabilities to charting a new roadmap for technology co-development and investments, the dialogue showcased how both nations are working together to elevate their aerospace ties and jointly shape the future of global aviation.
At the Paris Air Show 2025, a high-powered industry engagement between France’s aerospace body GIFAS and India’s apex industry chamber FICCI spotlighted the robust and evolving civil aviation partnership between the two nations. In a forum graced by business leaders, industry experts, and government representatives, the discussion reaffirmed shared commitments to safety, sustainability, innovation, and deeper bilateral industrial collaboration.
Opening the session, the Chairman of FICCI’s Civil Aviation Committee Remi Mallard, Airbus India Chief expressed heartfelt condolences over recent aviation tragedies, underscoring the importance of relentless pursuit of flight safety. “Each life lost is a stark reminder of the shared responsibility we carry. Safety must be fought for every single day,” he emphasized, setting a tone of solemn responsibility and renewed commitment. He noted that India, as the fastest-growing aviation market, presents tremendous opportunity—nearly 150 airports are being operationalised under the UDAN scheme and Indian carriers have placed record aircraft orders. “France and India must go deeper, wider, and faster in our cooperation,” he said, citing successful Indo-French ventures such as Dassault, Safran, Thales, and Airbus as models of enduring trust and technological synergy.
Arvind Mehra, Managing Director, Mahindra Aerostructures, proudly recalled how Mahindra began its aerospace journey from scratch in 2010 and today supplies critical aerostructures to Airbus, Boeing, and Dassault. “We are the only company in India rated on ‘aero excellence’ standards for process maturity. This is a business that demands patience and absolute commitment to quality,” he stated. He announced that Mahindra will soon become the single-source global supplier for the H130 helicopter’s front fuselage—a testament to India’s maturing aerospace ecosystem.
Airlines play a vital role in linking Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities to India’s broader civil aviation network, catalyzing regional economic growth, improving access to healthcare and education, and promoting business opportunities. By operating short-haul routes, often subsidized under the UDAN scheme, these carriers bridge infrastructure gaps where rail and road travel remain inefficient.
Star Air, in particular, has become a standout in this space: the Bengaluru‑based regional carrier now operates flights to over 20 underserved destinations, using a modern fleet of turboprops and smaller jets. 
Their efforts have not only improved connectivity but also provided reliable options for passengers in smaller towns—transforming them from remote outposts into accessible nodes of commerce and opportunity. Simran Singh Tiwana, CEO of Star Air, emphasized the untapped potential in India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities. “We are flying to 24 destinations today, but the real growth lies in connecting India’s 65% population residing outside the metros. That’s where the aviation revolution will be most meaningful,” he said. He called for leveraging French engineering excellence to unlock India’s domestic aviation potential further.
The GIFAS‑FICCI collaboration has played a pivotal role in the rapid expansion of India’s commercial aviation and aircraft leasing industries. By facilitating strategic dialogue between French aerospace OEMs, Indian carriers, leasing firms, and regulators, the partnership has unlocked new avenues for fleet growth and financing. French manufacturers like Airbus and Safran have deepened partnerships with Indian airlines, resulting in significant aircraft acquisitions and local assembly arrangements.
JetSetGo CEO Kanika Tekriwal shared ambitious plans to build India’s first aviation industrial park in the south, focus on engine shop development, and ramp up aircraft component manufacturing. “India is a factory of smart people. With AAM on the Prime Minister’s agenda, we invite global players to collaborate in the sandbox zones being set up in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh,” she said. She also noted the strategic importance of GIFT City as a hub for aircraft leasing and finance, adding, “It’s time we stop sending our jets abroad for maintenance. That’s a billion-dollar opportunity for collaboration.”
Business aviation ties between India and France have been steadily strengthening, driven by mutual interest in luxury travel, technology exchange, and infrastructure development. French manufacturers such as Dassault Aviation and Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) have secured key placements among India’s growing fleet of business jets, while Indian charter operators and MRO providers increasingly collaborate with French OEMs and maintenance experts. Notably, joint training programs—ranging from pilot and crew development to avionics certification—demonstrate deep-rooted cooperation, complemented by co-hosted industry events and summits. With expanding private aviation demand in India and France’s robust ecosystem in executive aircraft services, maintenance, and customization, both countries find valuable synergies in sharing expertise, co-investing in FBO facilities, and exploring growth opportunities in emerging markets across Asia.
JS Gavankar, CEO of Safran India, described India as central to Safran’s global strategy across three verticals: manufacturing, MRO, and decarbonisation. “We are setting up India’s largest LEAP engine MRO facility. By 2030, over 5,000 LEAP engines will be in operation in the region,” he announced. Safran’s investments also include electronics manufacturing in Bengaluru and ongoing co-development of the IMRH turboshaft engine and potential jet engine projects with Indian partners. “We’re ready to support both G2G and commercial collaborations,” he added.
Aviation law plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s rapidly expanding civil aviation sector by ensuring safety, compliance, and investor confidence. Robust regulations under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Act, and international treaties like the Cape Town Convention provide a legal backbone for aircraft registration, leasing, financing, liability, and dispute resolution. Law firms specializing in aviation facilitate this growth by advising airlines, leasing companies, OEMs, and airports on complex matters—ranging from aircraft transactions and route permits to regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and environmental mandates.
They also assist in securing foreign investment, drafting and negotiating joint venture contracts, and navigating aviation infrastructure policies like FDI limits and regional connectivity schemes. In essence, these legal advisors act both as regulatory interpreters and strategic partners, enabling smooth growth, enhancing market accessibility, and ensuring India’s civil aviation industry remains compliant, competitive, and globally aligned Senior partner AZB&Partners Anand Shah detailed the legal strides made by India,. especially the Cape Town Convention Bill becoming law. “The swift move by the government to protect aircraft assets and bring clarity to the insolvency regime has reassured lessors and investors. Stable regulation is key to India’s aviation growth,” he explained. Chari also lauded GIFT City’s potential to become a global aviation financing hub and urged sustained legal alignment with international standards.
The GIFAS-FICCI industry dialogue at Paris Air Show 2025 highlighted the shared vision of India and France to build a safer, more self-reliant, and globally competitive aviation ecosystem. From co-developing next-gen propulsion systems to unlocking regional connectivity, from legal reforms to the creation of industrial parks, both nations are setting a new benchmark in aerospace diplomacy and industrial cooperation. With India poised to bridge the aviation gap with China and become a key global aviation hub, France’s continued support and investment will be pivotal in this journey of mutual growth and innovation.
