Epsilon Aerospace, 4Repairs Consider Locations For Composite Repair JV

India-based Epsilon Aerospace is exploring locations for its recently announced composite repair joint venture in the country.

In late July, the aircraft interiors specialist signed a memorandum of understanding with Netherlands-based structural metal and composite component repair provider 4Repair to establish a facility focusing on MRO services for composite parts.

The companies are looking at different locations across India to establish the facility but have yet to identify a particular city. Possible locations for the new joint venture could be Mumbai, Hyderabad or Telangana, given the flexible government norms and ease of doing business in these cities.

The facility would allow operators to service their aircraft within India for complex composite and structural parts. Speaking about the total size of the facility, Naveen Chawla, chief executive of Mumbai-based Epsilon Aerospace, says the company will look at a facility where it is able to accommodate large components. “Hence the location and availability of space in that area would be a key for us to decide,” Chawla adds.

“The facility will look to service critical components like thrust reversers, flaps and radomes to name but a few, while using technology and tools that are sourced locally," Chawla hints. “By sourcing our technology locally, we plan on building the facility indigenously as much as possible, contributing to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision to enhance indigenous capabilities and reduce dependency on overseas maintenance services.”

The new facility will target the growth of its pool of skilled technicians and engineers in India. When asked about the upcoming employment opportunities at the new facility, Chawla says Epsilon will train and then deploy the available talent within the company to start with. “The team size will also depend upon the customer requirements. We are looking at space that is easily scalable and can accommodate required skilled technicians to do the repairs,” Chawla adds.

Stephan Verhaerdt, director and accountable manager at 4Repair, says it will look to support Epsilon in driving India's aerospace industry to greater operational excellence and customer satisfaction on a global level. “We look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to deliver innovative solutions and superior customer service,” Verhaerdt adds.

The critical component repair market in India is currently considered underserved, with most operators sending them overseas for overhaul work.

“We have definitely seen a requirement for skilled composite repairs in India.” says Chawla. “The localization of maintenance and repair of such complex composite parts within the country will help operators in India to reduce not just the turnaround time but even the costs.”