Air India to Reassess Turkish Technic Ties Amid Rising National Concerns

In light of growing national sentiment and recent geopolitical tensions, Air India is set to reconsider its ongoing maintenance partnership with Turkish Technic for heavy maintenance of its wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777s and 787s. This strategic recalibration comes after Turkey expressed support for Pakistan and criticized India’s counter-terror operations earlier in May—an act that stirred diplomatic unease and national concern.

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson confirmed that the airline is taking a sensitive and measured approach in response to the recent developments. While acknowledging the global nature of aircraft maintenance and supply chains, Wilson stated that the airline is fully aware of the national expectations and will act accordingly.

“It does take a while to adjust when the circumstances change around us, but we are obviously sensitive to the national sentiment and perhaps the national wishes,” he said in an interview. “Regardless of which country we are talking about, we would clearly take cognisance of what people like us to do and expect us to do.”

Currently, Turkish Technic, based in Turkiye, handles heavy maintenance for several of Air India’s wide-body aircraft. However, the airline is now looking to shift that workload to other global MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) providers in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the United States.

This move follows a significant development on May 15, when India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked security clearance for Turkish ground handling firm Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, citing national security concerns. Additionally, on May 30, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a final three-month extension to IndiGo for the wet lease of two Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines, directing termination of the lease by August 31.

Although Wilson admitted that a full transition would take time, he emphasized Air India’s intent to gradually reduce its reliance on Turkish Technic for critical aircraft maintenance tasks. “We are cognisant of recent developments and we will look to adjust our plans. Aircraft have to be maintained, and while India is working on building capacity, we will manage this shift responsibly,” he added.

Air India, with a fleet strength of 191 aircraft—including 64 wide-body jets—is in the midst of a broader transformation and expansion strategy under the Tata Group’s leadership. This latest recalibration in maintenance partnerships aligns with the airline’s long-term vision of strengthening operational autonomy while honoring national priorities.

As India advances its aviation infrastructure and capabilities, this decision marks a pivotal moment where commercial strategy intersects with national sentiment, signaling a future where policy and patriotism may influence even technical operations like aircraft maintenance.