Dr. Drabu receives clearance for Air Works Board

16 Feb 2021

Gurugram: Air Works - India’s largest independent MRO and well-diversified aviation services provider today announced that Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu has formally joined the Company’s Board as an Independent Director, after the receipt of all requisite approvals, including security clearance.

Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu - noted economist and policy maker, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the MRO major in August 2020, subject to receipt of requisite government and regulatory approvals.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu said, “Notwithstanding the adverse impact of Covid on Indian aviation and MROs, it is an exciting time to step into the sector given its long-term potential, fast paced growth, and fundamental role in economic development. I look forward to collaborating with members of the Air Works Board and the management team to realize the brand’s ambitions for the MRO sector in the world’s third largest domestic market, given the growing focus towards self-reliance (or Atmanirbhar) as well as the imperative need for India to become an MRO hub.”

Prior to receipt of Dr. Drabu’s clearance, Air Works had received the necessary clearances for the appointment of Lt. Gen A K Singh (Retd.) as an Independent Director in September 2020. With this, the current Board of the Company comprises five members including, the two independent directors.

Welcoming the development, Mr. D Anand Bhaskar, MD & CEO Air Works said, “Dr. Drabu’s deep understanding and experience across several areas has an invaluable bearing on Air Works’ overall business strategy given that proven business models and strategies have become obsolete in COVID times. We are increasingly thinking and operating out-of-the-box given the dynamism and accelerating developments in the MRO sector. With a refreshed Board, we are increasingly becoming a stronger enterprise that is also embracing the best in corporate governance.”

Air Works is one of India’s oldest aviation brands, having completed 70 Years of providing aviation services including maintenance operations in 2020. Today, it is certified to maintain as many as 50+ types of aircraft, making it also the most diversified MRO in the country with a pan-India network of 27 locations and 1400+ employees, serving both civil (fixed wing + rotary wing) and defense customers including global OEMs, commercial airlines, Business Aviation companies/ operators, and leading global Lessors.

Reputed for its excellent workmanship and attention to details, Air Works is highly trusted by the aviation industry for its reliability and has executed and delivered several industry and country-first projects in the field of aviation maintenance including structural works, avionics as well as design.

About Air Works Group

Established in 1951, Air Works Group is India’s biggest and highly diversified independent MRO with the largest pan-India network presence across 27 cities. It is the preferred MRO partner to global aviation OEMs, aircraft owners/ operators (including Fixed Wing & Rotary Wing), lessors, airlines and the Indian Defense Services, offering a host of services including MRO and heavy checks, Line maintenance, Cabin and Interior refurbishment, Exterior finishing and painting, Avionics upgrades, integrations and retrofits, End-of-lease/ redelivery checks, Maintenance training (CAR 147), and Asset Management services to domestic and international clients.

Specialized services such as Avionics, Component repairs and Asset Management services are offered via Group companies – SA Air Works and Acumen Aviation. Air Works undertakes base maintenance for ATR 42/72, A320 and B737 family of aircraft as well as medium and large business jets at its EASA and DGCA-certified facilities including Mumbai, Delhi, Hosur and Kochi*, supported by duly certified, in-house shops. The Company also undertakes modification and assembly of rotary-wing aircraft and is an Authorized Service Centre (ASC) for Bell and Leonardo helicopters.

Air Works enjoys an impeccable reputation in the industry for proven capabilities, outstanding workmanship, quality, and an exceptional safety orientation. The Company takes immense pride in its 70 Year aviation legacy and a culture that accords paramount importance to customers, which has allowed it to successfully deliver several India-first and industry-first projects.

For more details, visit: www.airworks.aero