Airbus and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Launch Centre of Excellence for Aerospace Studies

A new academic industry platform aimed at strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities has been operationalised in Vadodara, as Airbus and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya formalised the launch of a dedicated Centre of Excellence. 

Focus Areas and Collaborative Intent 

The Centre of Excellence has been set up to advance aerospace research, innovation and talent development, with a strong emphasis on sustainable aviation solutions.  

A core research priority will be work on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, alongside support for student-led innovation in next-generation aerospace technologies.  

The initiative represents a key milestone in the long-term collaboration between Airbus and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, which was first announced in 2024 and is designed to contribute to the growth of India’s aerospace ecosystem. 

Leadership Participation and Academic Integration 

The Centre was inaugurated by Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, in the presence of Her Highness Rajmata Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, Member of the Court of GSV, and Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of the university.  

As per PIB, Westermeier said, “The inauguration of this Centre of Excellence at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya marks a milestone in our mission to co-create a robust aerospace ecosystem in India.”  

He added, “This Centre is a clear demonstration of Airbus’ commitment to R&D and innovation, focusing on ground breaking technologies such as transforming Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).” 

Scholarships, Research Programmes and Sector Coverage 

Since 2024, the partnership has expanded beyond infrastructure to include human capital development and applied research.  

Airbus has committed a full scholarship programme for 45 meritorious and underprivileged students, with one-third of the scholarships reserved for women, and has established a Chair Professor for Aerospace Studies to support undergraduate, postgraduate and executive programmes.  

The collaboration also includes a Joint Study Agreement providing research grants for converting MSW into SAF, aimed at building a locally sourced circular economy for aviation fuel. 

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Conclusion 

With the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence, Airbus and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya have deepened their collaboration, creating a platform that links academic capability, applied research and skill development to support the future of India’s aerospace sector. 

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