Star Air Enters Aircraft MRO Business and Expands Fleet Plans
Star Air, a regional carrier based in Bangalore, is making significant strides in the aviation industry by entering the aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) business. This expansion comes as the airline celebrates its sixth anniversary and prepares for future growth. Through a joint venture, Star Air plans to establish an MRO facility aimed at servicing regional and business jet fleets, complementing its ongoing efforts to enhance its network and fleet size.
Founded in 2019 by the Kolhapur-based Sanjay Ghodawat Group, Star Air initially focused on regional connectivity. The airline currently operates a fleet of nine Embraer aircraft, connecting 23 domestic destinations with 44 daily flights. However, in addition to its current operations, the airline is now aiming to expand its fleet to 14 aircraft by March 2025, with a goal to increase its network to over 100 flights, catering to the growing demand for regional travel across India.
The new MRO facility, which is in the process of securing land, will be managed under a subsidiary engineering company. Star Air has revealed that the MRO facility will provide line and major maintenance specifically for regional aircraft and business jets, but has yet to disclose further details regarding its investment or the identity of its joint venture partner. The MRO move is a strategic decision aimed at improving fleet maintenance capabilities and supporting the airline’s expansion goals. Simran Singh Tiwana, the CEO of Star Air, expressed excitement about the airline’s growth trajectory, stating that the expansion of both the fleet and network would focus on maximising operational efficiency, aircraft utilisation, and service reliability. With the addition of more aircraft and destinations, Star Air aims to continue its commitment to the Indian government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which seeks to make air travel more accessible to underserved regions by providing affordable flights to tier-II and tier-III cities.
Having successfully operationalised over 90% of the routes allocated under the UDAN scheme, Star Air is well-positioned to build on its success. The airline’s continued expansion will not only improve air travel options for smaller cities but also enhance the country’s regional connectivity, benefiting millions of passengers in under-served areas. Star Air’s announcement to enter the MRO business adds a new dimension to its strategy of growth and consolidation. The MRO venture will reduce the reliance on external maintenance providers, offering Star Air greater control over its fleet maintenance and further reinforcing its sustainability. This move also aligns with broader industry trends as more regional carriers look to optimise their operational costs and improve fleet management in-house.
As the airline looks towards the future, it remains committed to providing cost-effective, reliable air travel to smaller cities across India. The expansion of both its fleet and MRO capabilities will ensure that Star Air continues to meet the growing demand for regional air travel, while also positioning the airline to play a key role in the evolving Indian aviation market. Star Air’s bold steps to diversify its operations and strengthen its infrastructure are a testament to the airline’s dedication to both growth and service excellence, making it an airline to watch in the years to come. With its expanding fleet, new MRO facility, and focus on regional connectivity, the airline is on a clear path towards enhancing its market presence and contributing to the overall development of India’s aviation sector.
