MROs, pilot-training centres attract PE funds

New Delhi: The entry of big daddies such as the Tatas and global private equity players Texas Pacific Group, Istithmar and Goldman Sachs have re-ignited the interest of PE funds in the Indian aviation industry, with ancillary segments such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities and pilot training centres attracting attention.
This comes at a time when airline companies are looking at raising working finances for their network expansion and adding aircraft to their fleet. According to an estimate by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, an aviation industry consultancy, existing airlines would need to raise around $250-300 million through the PE route, while cargo carriers would need start-up funds to the tune of $50-75 million.
Interestingly, MRO facilities and pilot training centres are likely to attract investment of $100-125 million over the next one year. PE players point out that setting up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and pilot training facilities in the country would be the new segment that would come into play in 2007.
23/12/06 Gaurie Mishra & Sudipto Dey/Economic Times

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