New CoE strengthens industry–academia collaboration and supports India’s green aviation ambitions.
Airbus-Gatishakti University Centre of Excellence.
Airbus Centre of Excellence at Gatishakti Vishwavidyala (GSV): Airbus has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s industry-driven university focused on transportation and logistics, located in Vadodara, Gujarat. The initiative marks a significant step in Airbus’ long-term commitment to strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem through research, innovation, and talent development.
The Centre of Excellence is designed to serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and student-led innovation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable aviation technologies that align with India’s long-term environmental and industrial goals.
Focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Future Technologies
A key focus area of the CoE will be research and development into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), including innovative pathways to convert Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into aviation fuel. The Centre will also support student-driven research in next-generation aerospace technologies, fostering innovation at an early stage of talent development.
By combining academic research with industrial expertise, the CoE aims to contribute to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint while building indigenous capabilities in green aerospace solutions.
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Inauguration by Airbus and Academic Leadership
Announced in 2024, the Centre of Excellence was formally inaugurated by Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia. The ceremony was held in the presence of Her Highness Rajmata Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, Member of the Court of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, and Prof. (Dr) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of GSV.
The inauguration reflects the growing momentum behind structured industry–academia partnerships in India’s high-technology sectors.
GSV Highlights Industry-Driven Innovation Vision
Prof. Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of GSV, said the CoE reflects the university’s mission to translate industry-driven innovation into tangible outcomes for the transportation and logistics ecosystem.
“Under the guidance of our Hon. Chancellor Ashwini Vaishnaw, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is converting an industry-driven, innovation-led vision into reality for building highly skilled human capital and new technologies,” he said. He noted that Airbus has emerged as a leading partner in creating a model industry–academia collaboration that can serve as a template for the country.
Choudhary added that the CoE builds on earlier initiatives such as the Airbus Chair Professorship and Airbus Scholarships, supporting the Prime Minister’s “whole of the sector” approach and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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Airbus Reaffirms Commitment to R&D and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Jürgen Westermeier described the Centre of Excellence as a milestone in Airbus’ efforts to support the creation of a robust aerospace ecosystem in India.
“This Centre is a clear demonstration of Airbus’ commitment to R&D and innovation, focusing on groundbreaking technologies that will transform Municipal Solid Waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel,” Westermeier said. He added that the collaboration will empower students with skills to lead ecosystem development and help shape India’s future aviation landscape.
He also emphasized that the initiative aligns closely with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by building local capabilities and fostering self-reliance in advanced aerospace technologies.
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Airbus Opens Centre of Excellence at Gatishakti University.
A Holistic Partnership Beyond Infrastructure
Since 2024, Airbus and GSV have built a comprehensive partnership aimed at developing the foundational elements of an integrated aerospace ecosystem in India. A major pillar of this collaboration is human capital development, supported by a full scholarship programme for 45 meritorious and underprivileged students, with one-third of the scholarships reserved for women.
To anchor academic excellence, Airbus has also established a Chair Professor for Aerospace Studies at GSV, supporting undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programmes tailored to industry needs.
Joint Research on Sustainable Aviation Solutions
The partnership has expanded into high-impact research through a Joint Study Agreement focused on developing sustainable aviation solutions. This initiative provides grants for R&D into converting MSW into SAF, combining GSV’s academic research strengths with Airbus’ industrial expertise.
The objective is to help create a locally sourced, circular economy for aviation fuel in India, reducing dependence on imported fuels while advancing environmental sustainability.
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya’s National Mandate
GSV is India’s only university dedicated exclusively to the transportation and logistics sector. Established as a Central University by an Act of Parliament in 2022, it follows a demand-driven curriculum covering railways, aviation, highways, ports, maritime and shipping, inland waterways, urban transport, and end-to-end logistics and supply chain networks.
The university is headed by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology, in his role as Chancellor.
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Building the Future of Indian Aerospace
With the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence, Airbus and GSV have taken a decisive step toward nurturing innovation, sustainability, and skilled talent in India’s aerospace sector. The initiative reflects a shared vision to position India as a global leader in sustainable aviation technologies while supporting national priorities for self-reliance, green growth, and long-term industrial competitiveness.
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