From building Asia’s first hydropower plant in India to supplying F404 engines for Tejas Aircraft, GE’s journey of proven, mature technology solutions for India’s requirements of the future is commendable. In an interview, Amol Nagar, Managing Director, of GE’s Multi-modal Factory, GE Aerospace India talked about how the company, along with its Indian partners, establishing an aero-engine manufacturing infrastructure, needs to achieve its self-reliance goals. Edited excerpts:
Let’s start with GE’s journey in India. Can you give us a brief outlook on how your Indian business has evolved over the years, the challenges, the major achievements, etc?
GE has been operating in India since 1902. We helped build Asia’s first hydropower plant near Mysore. Since then, we have set up and grown several different businesses in the country. Today, we operate in the areas of aerospace and energy. Our over 14,000 employees work across 20+ offices, 12 factories, and four technology centres. I am proud to mention that 50 per cent of all electricity transmitted and distributed in India is done using GE technology. That said, we are a proud partner to Indian commercial and military aviation. Importantly, most commercial airlines use planes powered by GE or partner engines. In the defence sector, the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft is powered by GE’s F404 engine. GE last year entered into a partnership with HAL 99 F404- GE-IN20 engines for Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. These engines have been in use in Tejas since 2004.
GE last year entered into a partnership with HAL 99 F404- GE-IN20 engines for Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. These engines have been in use in Tejas since 2004. Can you detail the deal and what kind of further enhancement comes as part of the deal?
In Aug 2021, we received an additional order for 99 F404 engines from HAL for the LCA Mk1A Tejas Aircraft. GE is working diligently to manufacture these engines, which will be shipped to HAL for installation on the aircraft. Indian Government has also approved $800 million (Rs 5,375 crore) for the prototype development, testing and certification of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 powered by GE F414 INS6 engine.
GE Aerospace is proud to continue building our strategic partnership with India, including new development opportunities. GE military engines have a strong history in the country, and it currently provides jet engines and marine gas turbines for many military applications including the Air Force’s light combat aircraft, Tejas MK1, the Navy’s P-8i aircraft, P-17 Shivalik class frigates, recently commissioned Vikrant Indigenized Aircraft Carrier, Apache and MH60R Helicopters and F-414 engines will power LCA Mk2.
GE offers proven, matured technology solutions for meeting the requirements of future military applications. We are committed to continuing to bring new opportunities to India through our engineering presence, manufacturing operations, local partnerships, and growing fleet of military and commercial aircraft engines.
GE signed an MOU with IIT-M for the R&D of Micro Turbomachine, which was undergoing testing earlier this year. Can you give us an update on the test status and steps ahead?
The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and GE signed an MoU in 2016 to collaborate on research and development with an investment of Rs 10 crore over five years. Under this program, a new high-speed Micro Turbomachine was designed. It is now being tested at the National Aerospace Laboratories. During the product design process, GE and IIT-M engineers and researchers worked together to develop a local aviation supplier ecosystem for the manufacture of high-precision and high-speed turbo-machinery that adhered to global aviation industry manufacturing standards. Two local aviation industry companies – Pragati Transmission Pvt. Ltd., and Turbocam India Pvt. Ltd. – participated in the manufacture and assembly of the prototype.
Earlier this year, GE also announced its Indian aero engine supply chain. How does it impact your Indian business as well as your business counterparts such as Tata Advanced Systems, HAL, etc.?
GE Aerospace and our Indian partners are in the process of establishing the aero-engine manufacturing infrastructure India needs to achieve its self-reliance goals. Our Indian partners have demonstrated the ability to handle complex manufacturing and special processes required for aero-engine manufacturing while simultaneously maintaining a focus on quality. GE Aerospace has 13 Indian companies supplying aero-engine parts to our global commercial aviation factories. This includes a large multi-year order with Tata Advanced Systems Limited worth USD 1 billion. GE is developing a robust network of medium and small business suppliers (MSMEs) in India as well.
This growing network provides a lengthening list of essential components and services to ensure a fully indigenous manufacturing infrastructure.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat has picked up pace in India. How is GE India becoming a key contributor to the mission?
With our manufacturing facilities in Pune and our expanding Indian supplier ecosystem of local companies, we are already a significant local aero-engine manufacturer. GE Aerospace has been proactively growing its aero-engine skills and manufacturing capabilities in India. This includes engineering capabilities at our technology centre, and in collaboration with industry, aftermarket services, and advanced precision manufacturing technologies.
Over the past two years, a GE-funded skills program trained more than 150 manufacturing staff at various partner organizations, and these trained workers have then gained employment with one of several GE suppliers in India.
In addition, we run a centre of excellence along with the Tamil Nadu Government for additive (3D printing) technology in aviation.
What are some trends in your opinion picking up in the civil aviation sector in 2023?
India is emerging as the third-largest passenger traffic market in the world. With travel returning to pre-pandemic levels the demand for air travel is exploding. We are a strong partner in the civil aviation space with 600 GE and partner engines servicing most airlines in the country. We expect civil aviation in India to continue to grow over the next decade and the demand for more planes and engines will remain steady.
Further, with the risk of COVID-19 resurfacing, what are the impact and implications of it expected in the civil aviation sector? How can it stay resilient and prepare for adverse situations?
Thankfully the fear of a new Covid wave in the region in early 2023 did not materialise. The positive development in the aviation sector – be it Government led infrastructure or industry-led services, continues to see steady progress. We are happy to support our customers through their growth phase.
What are the areas where GE is likely to remain invested? Further, what segments are expected to propel growth for your organisation in the coming years?
As GE we will continue to stay focused on both aerospace and energy areas in India. We see opportunities to partner with our customers to move India forward across both those industries.
Going further, what would be your emphasis in terms of investments in India?
GE has invested over $200 million in the Pune multi-modal factory that serves both our aviation and energy sector needs. We produce jet engine parts and wind, gas and steam turbine parts at the factory. This factory remains a huge focus for us.
