AEPL interview for Paris Air Show 2025

Interview with Aerospace Engineers Pvt. Ltd. (AEPL)

Powering Aerospace Excellence from India to the World

1. AEPL is pioneering next-gen solutions in both metallic and non-metallic domains. Could you elaborate on the advanced manufacturing capabilities and technologies that enable you to deliver such a diverse and high-precision product range?

AEPL operates as a vertically integrated aerospace manufacturing hub, offering robust capabilities in metallic, non-metallic (rubber and composites), and integrated assemblies—backed by precision technologies and a strong quality framework. Across our units in Salem and Hosur, and with our upcoming 700,000 sq. ft facility in Shoolagiri, AEPL brings together high-precision technologies under one ecosystem:

In the metallic domain, AEPL uses:

1. 5-axis CNC machining, sliding head turning, and multi-axis VMCs for complex component fabrication.
2. A 6500T hydraulic press for advanced sheet metal forming, complemented by CNC brake presses, stretch forming, and rolling machines.
3. NADCAP-accredited special processes including anodizing, titanium anodizing, cadmium plating, SS passivation, and solution analysis.

In the non-metallic and composite domain:

1. 123 CEMILAC-certified rubber compounds tailored to various aerospace applications.
2. Injection and compression moulding, rubber-metal bonding, and rubber extrusion capabilities supported by automated chemical batching and calibrated ovens.
3. Although our previously certified Class 10000 cleanroom is currently inactive, composite manufacturing is still supported by autoclaves, prepreg cutting systems, and cold storage for critical process control.

AEPL is proud to be India’s first NADCAP-certified manufacturer for elastomer seals, a milestone that underscores our commitment to quality and technical excellence. Our operations are built on robust global standards including AS13100, ISO14001, and ISO45001, ensuring consistency, safety, and sustainability. With digitally integrated quality systems, advanced inspection infrastructure, and a FOD-free manufacturing culture, AEPL is fully equipped to support mission-critical aerospace and defence programs on a global scale.

2. Could you walk us through AEPL’s core product offerings and explain how they address the evolving requirements of the defense and aerospace sectors?

AEPL delivers a diverse spectrum of products tailored for military, civil aviation, and space missions. Its capabilities are aligned with evolving demands such as weight reduction, extreme environment durability, and high-integrity system readiness.

1. Metallic Components: Engine parts, structural frames, rotary shafts, housings, precision fittings, clamps, and refueling adapters.
2. Non-Metallic & Rubber Components: Rotary shaft seals, thermal boots, seal for bleed valve and cockpit seals, flame-resistant mouldings, oxygen lines, and fabric-reinforced hoses.
3. Composites: Insulation panels, structural covers, BNC/BND assemblies, SATCOM radomes for Embraer aircraft, and radar housing modules like the AAAU for AEW&C systems.
4. Integrated Assemblies: Fuel tanks, jet pumps, electro-mechanical LRUs, and missile subassemblies—each tested rigorously for functionality and airworthiness.
5. Specialized Clamps & Hoses: AS, MS, NAS, and MIL-DTL compliant clamps and hose assemblies.

These components support 60% military aviation, 25% civil, and 10% space programs, reflecting our responsiveness to the sector’s evolving needs—be it lightweighting, resistance to extreme environments, or readiness for space and supersonic applications.

3. Innovation is at the core of AEPL’s identity. How is your R&D strategy driving breakthroughs in aerospace manufacturing and defense aviation?

AEPL’s R&D is engineered around three principles: precision, sustainability, and future-readiness. The company invests in advanced elastomers and composite technologies suited for extreme aerospace conditions, including space and hypersonic environments. Our in-house teams are innovating in:

1. Advanced elastomers and composites for space and hypersonic environments (including MIL-R-25988-based materials).
2. Cleanroom assembly for high-integrity bonded structures, radomes, and multi-material LRUs.
3. Process innovation using semi-automated batching, CNC prepreg cutting, simulation-based forming, AI-assisted inspection, and cold storage-integrated thermal process control.

Our roadmap includes new NADCAP accreditations for heat treatment, hydraulic hoses, surface treatment, and fitting qualifications by 2026. Collaborations with DRDO, CEMILAC, and the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Centre fuel both product and talent innovation.

4. AEPL serves key defense and aerospace clients and has also played a pivotal role in landmark initiatives like Chandrayaan, Gaganyaan, and the Airbus C295 program. Could you share insights into your primary customer base?

AEPL is a trusted partner to India’s flagship organizations and global OEMs. We have contributed critical parts and assemblies to:

1. Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and Gaganyaan through structural assemblies and valve systems.
2. Airbus C295 through approved supply of airframe and elastomeric parts (one of 37 certified Indian suppliers).
3. HAL, ISRO, DRDO, BDL, BEML, and BEL, along with listed supply for Boeing (BAC 5071 QPL) and Pratt & Whitney.

Our certifications—NADCAP accreditation for Elastomer Seals, NADCAP accreditation for Fluid Distribution Systems, NADCAP accreditation for Chemical Processing, Listed in Boeing QPL to specification BAC5071 and in Pratt Whitney QPL for seal bleed valve, Airbus IPCA, HAL ASQMS, DGCA ITSO, DGAQA—underscore the global standards we meet. AEPL's focus on “Make in India, Make for the Globe” is more than a slogan; it’s a demonstrated capability.

5. AEPL has been actively expanding its global footprint through strategic collaborations and joint ventures. Can you share more about these international partnerships?

AEPL’s international strategy centers on qualification-led collaborations, joint development, and contract manufacturing. The company partners with primes and Tier-1 suppliers in the US and Europe to co-develop integrated rubber-metal-composite assemblies and accelerate QPL/QML approvals.

It supplies certified elastomer seals and fittings for global MRO and OEM programs, backed by NADCAP-accredited processes. Airbus, Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney certifications enable AEPL to contribute to multiple international platforms.

To support global demand, AEPL is setting up specialized hose assembly and surface treatment facilities aligned with international aviation standards. Participation in offset programs and exhibitions such as Aero India and the Paris Air Show further boosts its visibility and access to long-term global collaborations.

6. Looking ahead, what is your vision for AEPL over the next 5 to 10 years, particularly as India scales up its defense manufacturing ecosystem?

AEPL’s Vision 2030 is to become a globally recognized Tier-1 partner for certified aerospace systems that combines scale, sustainability, and sophistication. This transformation is built on a roadmap that includes:

1. Commissioning a 700,000 sq. ft facility at Shoolagiri with dedicated aero structure hangars and civil aviation-grade surface treatment lines.
2. Achieving complete NADCAP and ISO17025 coverage across heat treatment, chemical processes, surface treatments, and fluid systems.
3. Deepening R&D into unmanned systems, bonded composites, and defense based electronics.
4. Adding over 500 new jobs and launching a Skill Development Center to train the next generation of aerospace talent.
5. Driving gender and diversity inclusion across roles and functions.

With a foundation built on engineering excellence, customer trust, and purpose-driven growth, AEPL is committed to leading India’s aerospace ambition—from Earth to orbit.