HAMCO mulls 20 JVs at proposed Aero Zone

Hyderabad Aircraft Maintenance Company (HAMCO) is proposing to set up about 20 joint ventures with a range of service providers and suppliers at its proposed Aero Zone to offer off-the-airport multiple support and maintenance facilities to aircrafts.

The company, which is considering a couple of locations near the new Hyderabad international airport, is expected to announce its strategic alliances and investment plans next month before zeroing in on the location for the facility by the end of the calendar year.

Speaking to the media here on Thursday, Amit Kishore Prasad, co-founder and director of HAMCO, said the company was in advanced talks with several firms, including some existing aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operators, airlines and financial institutions for firming up the plans.

It will take 9-12 months to establish a basic set up to provide services, including wheels and gear maintenance, life-support among other things.

"The investment in Aero Zone ranges from $10-12 million in a 50-acre facility to $35-$40-million in a 250-acre facility. We are looking at a 250-acre facility near the new airport which can also get SEZ status," he said, adding that the state government was considering its proposal for the allotment of land for the project.

Besides, the company is planning to set up a non-hangar maintenance facility on the tarmac at the existing Begumpet airport with an investment of about $5 million this year.

According to him, the newly incorporated HAMCO has already received a positive nod from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for setting up an MRO facility.

With the number of aircraft growing by the day and maintenance costs being critical for the business viability of the airline companies, the proposed Aero Zone has the potential to grow as a hub for aircraft maintenance operations in Hyderabad, according to Prasad.

The company is also in talks with airport developers and airline companies for the establishment of maintenance facilities within the new international airport, he said.