Andhra Pradesh IT, HRD, and RTG Minister Nara Lokesh extended an open invitation to Airbus and other global aerospace companies to launch a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility in Andhra Pradesh, seizing the opportunity after Karnataka dropped its planned aerospace park near Bengaluru. Lokesh emphasized AP’s robust Aerospace & Defence Policy 4.0, which includes best-in-class incentives, expansive land parcels exceeding 8,000 acres, and readiness for industrial deployment just outside Bengaluru.
Lokesh’s pitch follows Karnataka’s withdrawal of a 1,777-acre acquisition plan amid sustained farmer opposition. He promoted Andhra Pradesh as a superior investment destination with faster clearances and enabling regulatory frameworks. The offered site is strategically located near Tirupati and Sriharikota, aligning with state plans for Space City, defence clusters, and aerospace manufacturing hubs.
Secretary-level letters and social media posts—including a viral X dialogue directing “Dear Aerospace industry…we have a better idea for you”—reflect the state’s aggressive strategy to attract high-ticket aerospace investments. This move supports India’s Make in India and defence manufacturing agendas, aiming to enhance its domestic MRO capacity as Airbus collaborates with HAL on servicing the A320 family.
With AP positioning itself as an aerospace alternative and ecosystem partner—notably for Airbus—the state intends to accelerate job creation, boost technological infrastructure, and emerge as a premier destination for aerospace operations in South Asia.
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