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Key Points

Air India is contemplating ending its collaboration with Turkish Technic due to rising public sentiment and national security concerns. This move comes after Turkey publicly supported Pakistan during a recent conflict with India. Despite being dependent on foreign MRO facilities, Air India is seeking alternatives to align with national interests. Meanwhile, Indigo has been granted a final three-month extension for its lease with Turkish Airlines to minimize passenger disruption.

Key Points: Air India Considers Ending Turkish Technic Partnership Amid Tensions

  • Air India may end its Turkish Technic partnership
  • Decision in response to national sentiment and security concerns
  • Indigo damp-lease extension granted by DGCA
  • India's reliance on foreign MRO facilities is highlighted
2 min read

Air India mulls winding up association with Turkish maintenance and overhaul firm

Air India CEO hints at ending Turkish Technic deal in response to national sentiments.

"The decision has been taken in the national interest, respecting public sentiments. - Air India CEO Campbell Wilson"

New Delhi, June 2

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson hinted on Monday that the airline is likely to wind up its association with Turkish Technic, a global aviation maintenance and overhaul (MRO) company.

It comes amidst increasing calls for boycotting Turkish firms' presence in India, following the West Asian country's open support to Pakistan during the recent conflict with India. Pakistan has also used Turkish drones in the military conflict.

"Air India is likely to wind up its association with Turkish Technic, a global aviation maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) company. The company used to provide maintenance for Boeing 777 aircraft in the airline's fleet. The airlines said they would find alternatives. The decision has been taken in the national interest, respecting public sentiments," the Air India CEO told ANI.

India currently lacks MRO facilities for wide-body aircraft, and is heavily dependent on foreign MROs for services.

The government has recently cancelled the security clearance of Turkey-based airport ground handling firm Celebi, citing "interest of national security".

Earlier, Indigo had requested a further six-month extension for the "damp-leased" aircraft from Turkish Airlines, which the regulator did not agree to. Indigo is operating two B777-300ER aircraft under a "damp lease" from Turkish Airlines, which was permitted till May 31, 2025.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted Indigo a final three-month extension "to avoid passenger inconvenience."

"However, in order to avoid passenger inconvenience due to immediate flight disruption, Indigo has been granted a one-time last and final extension of three months," the DGCA said on Friday while granting a one-time extension to Indigo.

"This extension is based on the undertaking from the airline that they will terminate the damp lease with Turkish Airlines within this extension period, and shall not seek any further extension for these operations," the DGCA added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good decision by Air India! We cannot keep doing business with countries that openly support Pakistan against India. National security comes first. Hope the government speeds up developing our own MRO facilities. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While I understand the sentiment, I hope Air India has proper alternatives lined up. Our aviation sector can't afford disruptions. Maybe this will push India to invest more in domestic MRO capabilities - we need to be self-reliant in critical sectors.
A
Amit S.
Turkey has been openly anti-India for years now. First their drones to Pakistan, now political statements. Business and geopolitics are connected - we must stand firm. But we also need to build our own technical capabilities fast!
S
Sunita R.
This is a complex issue. While national pride is important, we must ensure passenger safety isn't compromised during transition. Hope Air India has solid backup plans. Also, when will we stop depending on foreign companies for critical aviation services?
V
Vikram J.
Finally some action! Turkey has been taking India's business while stabbing us in the back diplomatically. Time to show economic consequences have actions. Next should be reviewing all defense deals with Turkish companies.
N
Neha P.
I support the decision but worry about costs. Will ticket prices increase because of this change? Also, the 3-month extension for Indigo shows how dependent we still are. We need long-term solutions, not just reactive measures.

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