Concept visualisation.
Proposed aircraft lifecycle hubs, India
Aircraft lifecycle hubs in India
XALFA plans to build aircraft lifecycle hubs across India: airfields where aircraft can be stored, inspected and taken apart, with licensed maintenance companies working on the same site. Our first proposal is the Saifai airstrip in Uttar Pradesh.
Runway
A model we plan to repeat
Work that mostly happens abroad today
XALFA plans to build aircraft lifecycle hubs across India. Our first proposal is to run the Saifai airstrip in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. Each hub would be a single airfield for aircraft storage, inspection and teardown, with licensed maintenance partners on site. Doing this work in India would keep it in the country and bring skilled aviation jobs to Etawah and to each place a hub is built.
The opportunity
Aircraft work leaves India. We want to change that.
- India's aircraft maintenance and repair work is mostly done abroad. A parliamentary committee reported in August 2025 that around 85% of MRO activity is done outside India.Source: The Tribune, 20 August 2025
- Flying aircraft overseas for checks, storage or parting out adds ferry time and cost.
- Bringing the work to well-placed airfields in India can shorten turnaround and keep value in the country.
What we plan to offer
One airfield, several kinds of aviation work
Each hub would be a single airfield with space for several kinds of aviation work. Regulated activity would be carried out by licensed partners.
Lease returns and storage
For lessorsAircraft inspected, stored and prepared for their next operator in one place, with licensed maintenance companies on the same airfield.
Customs-bonded handling
For overseas owners and lessorsWe plan to seek customs-bonded status for the site, so aircraft and parts can be stored and worked on with Indian customs duty deferred, and parts that leave India carry no Indian customs duty. The exact scope, including teardown, would be agreed with the customs authorities.
Heavy checks, parking and returns
For airlinesHangar and apron space for heavy checks, long-term parking and lease-return handling.
Storage and teardown
For parts and teardown firmsA site for storage and teardown of retired aircraft, so good parts can be sourced and sold.
Maintenance sites
For MRO companiesHangar space, utilities and a base on the same airfield where licensed maintenance companies would operate.
Spares, training and service
For aircraft and engine makersSpace for a spares and support depot, an authorised service site, or a training and test facility.
Flight testing and assembly
For drone and unmanned aircraft firmsA long runway for flight testing and trials, with hangar space for assembly, maintenance and repair. Airspace and approvals would be agreed with the authorities.
The site
Saifai, Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh
- Location
- Saifai, Etawah district
- Runway
- 2,500 m
- Distance from Delhi by air
- About 260 km
Move the line to compare today with the concept. Drag to orbit, scroll or pinch to zoom, right-drag to pan.
Concept model. Not an approved design. Runway, site outline and road link from satellite measurements. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
How it works
Who does what
XALFA
Would run the airfield, if the proposal succeeds.
Licensed partners
Would carry out regulated maintenance and teardown work.
Customers
Lessors, airlines, MROs, parts firms, OEMs and drone firms would use the site.
XALFA does not hold aviation licences itself. Maintenance and other regulated work would be done by organisations approved by the relevant authorities.
Where we are
Status
Preparing a proposal for the Saifai airstrip, our first site. Speaking with companies in the industry to understand the rules and requirements.
Confirm the application route, eligibility and terms. Confirm customs and licensing requirements with the relevant authorities.
Apply, and sign up licensed partners and customers if the proposal succeeds. Repeat the model at further airfields across India.
Questions
Who would do the maintenance work?
Licensed partners. XALFA does not hold aviation licences itself. Maintenance and other regulated work would be done by organisations approved by the relevant authorities.
What is the status?
We are preparing a proposal to run the Saifai airstrip. Nothing has been filed or awarded yet.
How would customs work?
We plan to seek customs-bonded status for the site. The exact scope, including teardown, would be agreed with the customs authorities.
Who would run the airfield?
XALFA would run the airfield if the proposal succeeds. Partners and customers would work on site.
Can we register interest?
Yes. If you would use a site like this, tell us what you would need. A short note helps our proposal and does not commit you.
Will XALFA only operate at Saifai?
No. Saifai is our first proposed site. The model is meant to be repeated at other airfields across India. Nothing has been filed or awarded yet.
What aircraft could the airfield handle?
The runway is 2,500 m long. Which aircraft types and weights the airfield could take depends on runway strength and approvals, which we would confirm with the relevant authorities.
What about road access and utilities?
A short road link connects the site to the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Power, water and other utilities would be confirmed as part of the proposal.
Who are you talking to?
Companies across the aviation industry, to understand what they need, and the relevant authorities, to understand the rules. We have not announced any partners.