The 7th Aerospace & Defence MRO South Asia Summit 2026, held alongside MRO XPO India, Aircraft Interiors India, and Defence MRO XPO India, concluded on a high note in New Delhi, reaffirming India’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation maintenance markets globally. The two-day event brought together key stakeholders from civil aviation, defence, global MRO organisations, airlines, lessors, OEMs, and policymakers, creating a powerful platform for dialogue, collaboration, and business engagement.
The event commenced with the inauguration of the co-located exhibitions, followed by a walkthrough of the exhibition floor featuring a diverse mix of domestic and international exhibitors across the MRO value chain. From leading global players to emerging Indian companies, the exhibition highlighted advancements in maintenance capabilities, aircraft interiors, logistics, infrastructure, and digital solutions, reflecting the sector’s transition towards a more integrated and future-ready ecosystem.
The Summit sessions addressed critical themes shaping the future of MRO in India and the region. Discussions on “Strong MRO, Safer Skies” emphasised the importance of regulatory oversight, quality standards, and skilled manpower in ensuring aviation safety amid rapid fleet expansion. Sessions on leasing and Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) models explored the evolving economics of maintenance, highlighting new risk-sharing frameworks and cost management strategies across the aviation lifecycle.
A key focus area was aerospace logistics, where industry leaders underscored the role of efficient supply chains, warehousing, and digital tracking in minimising aircraft-on-ground (AOG) time and improving turnaround efficiency. The Summit also highlighted the growing convergence between civil and defence MRO, with discussions centred on shared infrastructure, capability development, and the need for a unified approach to maintenance across sectors.
Digital transformation emerged as a central theme, with sessions on smart MRO and predictive maintenance showcasing the role of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and integrated software platforms in enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. In parallel, discussions on aircraft interiors emphasised the increasing importance of cabin upgrades, passenger experience, and sustainability in driving airline competitiveness.
The Summit also addressed one of the sector’s most pressing challenges, workforce development, with industry leaders calling for stronger training frameworks, industry-academia collaboration, and targeted initiatives to address the growing shortage of skilled engineers and technicians.
The event culminated in a prestigious Gala Awards Night, recognising excellence across the MRO ecosystem. Key honours included the Training & Skill Development Excellence Award for GMR School of Aviation, MRO Infrastructure Support Partner of the Year for Gandhi Automation, and Aerospace Logistics Provider of the Year for DHL. Air India Group was recognised for Innovation in Passenger Experience, while Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) and SkyPulse Solutions IFSC Pvt Ltd were honoured in the leasing categories.
Global recognition included Lufthansa Technik Middle East as International MRO Partner of the Year, alongside awards for HEICO Aerospace, Fokker Services Group, and HAECO for their contributions to component support, engineering, and aftermarket solutions. At the national level, AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) was named Best MRO of India 2026, while Safran received MRO of the Year (Commercial Aviation).
Special recognitions included the Champion of Civil–Defence Convergence Award for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Lifetime Achievement Award – Defence for Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Saket Chaturvedi. The prestigious Diamond in the Sky Award was conferred upon Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Governor of Goa, for his contribution to India’s civil aviation sector.
The event concluded with strong industry participation, active business discussions, and renewed commitment from stakeholders to accelerate the development of a globally competitive MRO ecosystem in India.
As India continues to expand its aviation footprint, the Aerospace & Defence MRO South Asia Summit 2026 has reinforced the need for coordinated efforts across policy, infrastructure, technology, and talent to position the country as a preferred global destination for MRO services.