Kochi: Cochin International Airport (CIAL) is gearing up to become a major aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in the region. CIAL’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cochin International Aviation Services Ltd. (CIASL), which already operates an MRO facility at the airport, is now expanding its capabilities with a new massive MRO hangar to make Kochi a premier destination for airlines seeking reliable and cost-efficient maintenance.

The new facility aligns with CIAL’s vision of moving beyond routine passenger aircraft servicing to become a one-stop-point for every kind of aircraft, from private jets, helicopters and seaplanes. The centrepiece of this ambitious plan is a ₹50 cr hangar project, set to be Kerala's first-ever covered parking facility for planes. In aviation, MRO refers to all the work done to keep an aircraft in a safe and airworthy condition.

“With this new hangar, we are doubling our maintenance capacity at Kochi and introducing Kerala’s first covered aircraft parking facility. This expansion strengthens our self-reliance in aircraft maintenance, reduces dependence on overseas MRO hubs, and creates over a thousand jobs in the state. It is a decisive step towards positioning Kochi as a premier aviation maintenance centre in South Asia. Scheduled for completion in eight months, the new hangar will span over 53,800 sq ft," said S Suhas, CIASL executive chairman and CIAL managing director.

Since 2021, CIASL has operated a 45,000 sq m MRO complex, leased to Air Works India. This facility is fully certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA-India). Currently, there are two narrow-body hangars, each measuring 2,750 sq m, equipped with automated doors and supported by 6,500 sq m of workshop and office space, which have positioned Kochi as a preferred stopover for domestic and international airlines.

The new hangar will have the capacity to simultaneously accommodate two standard passenger planes like a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320 or multiple smaller private jets. It will have a 7,000 sq ft of workshop space for advanced repairs and specialised testing. There will be direct access to the runway, a first for any airport in Kerala, which will allow planes to taxi straight from the runway to the hangar, saving time and ensuring safer ground movement.

Additionally, a huge, 3.5 lakh sq. ft. covered parking area will be built, providing shelter for up to 13 aircraft. This infrastructure is vital for a coastal city like Kochi, where heavy rain and humidity can cause rapid corrosion. It also offers enhanced privacy and security, making the airport an attractive base for private jet owners.

Broader impact: From Kerala to South Asia
India is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets. With a massive fleet of narrow-body aircraft like the A320 and B737, the demand for MRO services is immense and growing. India’s major MRO hubs are currently clustered in Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Being located in South India, CIAL is a convenient and cost-effective option for airlines operating in South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The airport can offer a more competitive alternative to more established but higher-cost hubs like Singapore.

“Economically, the new project promises more than 1,000 new jobs, including 400 direct positions in engineering, quality assurance, and aviation logistics. A Phase 2 expansion worth ₹150 crore is already planned, strengthening the airport’s long-term role in India’s aviation map. The investment not only enhances capacity but also positions CIAL to capture a larger share of the fast-growing South Asian MRO market, ” CIAL sources said.