The Delhi International Airport (DIAL) has built two state-of-the-art maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hangars, almost a year after India’s first dedicated General Aviation (GA) terminal opened at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
These hangars, which cover 2,000 square metres and can accommodate six to eight mid-size aircraft, serve business jets and general aviation. The GA terminal, which opened in September 2020, is operated by two concessionaires: Bird Execujet Airport Services and Indamer MJets Airport Services.
According to DIAL, the new hangars will not only help operators save time and money, but will also significantly reduce pollution. Previously, GA aircraft and business jets had to burn fuel while travelling an 8-10 km stretch to hangars near terminal one for maintenance (T1). These planes also had to fly over one active runway on their way to the old hangers near T1, wasting time and fuel. The old T1 hangers have already been removed.
“DIAL is a forerunner in the development of world-class airport infrastructure. The dedicated General Aviation facility, which included a GA Terminal and aircraft parking bays, was India’s first of its kind. This facility has brought India up to par with some of the best airports in the world. Moving forward, we’ve built dedicated MRO hangars near the GA terminal with world-class facilities, which are also the first in the country.
“Not only does this facility benefit aircraft operators, but it also aids Delhi Airport in meeting its environmental sustainability goals,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL. These hangars also have a front maintenance holding area of nearly 4,600 square metres, which can accommodate aircraft in need of minor repairs.