Date: 2026-02-04Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, in Partnership with Airbus, Inaugurates a Centre of Excellence to Drive Sustainable Aerospace Research, Innovation and Skill Development
**Executive Summary**
The document reports on the inauguration of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in Vadodara, Gujarat, in partnership with Airbus. The initiative, announced in 2024 and inaugurated on February 4, 2026, aims to strengthen India's aerospace ecosystem through R&D and talent development, particularly in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). A key enabler for Viksit Bharat by 2047.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Centre of Excellence (CoE) Establishment:**
* Airbus inaugurated a CoE at GSV for aerospace studies.
* Focus is on R&D in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
* The centre will support student-led innovations in aerospace technologies.
* **Strategic Partnership:**
* GSV and Airbus collaboration aims to create a robust aerospace ecosystem in India.
* Collaboration includes research and development and human capital development
* **Human Capital Development Initiatives:**
* Full scholarship program for 45 meritorious and underprivileged students, one-third reserved for women.
* Airbus established a Chair Professor for Aerospace Studies at GSV.
* **Research and Development Focus:**
* Joint Study Agreement (JSA) to develop sustainable aviation solutions.
* Grants for R&D focused on converting Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into SAF.
* **GSV Overview:**
* India's only University in Transportation and Logistics sector.
* Established as a Central University by the Act of Parliament in 2022.
* Mandated to cover the entire transportation sector, with a curriculum driven by demand.
* Headed by Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw as the University Chancellor.
**Impact Analysis**
**GSV (Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya)**
* **Impact**: Benefits from Airbus' expertise, research funding, and a strengthened aerospace program. Enhanced reputation and contribution to India's aerospace sector.
* **Action Required**: Collaborate with Airbus on R&D projects, administer scholarship programs, and manage the CoE.
**Students**
* **Impact**: Access to new educational and research opportunities in aerospace, including scholarships and specialized programs.
* **Action Required**: Apply for scholarships, participate in research projects, and engage with the CoE's resources.
**Airbus**
* **Impact**: Strengthens its presence in India, gains access to local talent, and supports the development of sustainable aviation technologies.
* **Action Required**: Provide expertise, funding, and support for the CoE, collaborate on R&D projects, and participate in scholarship programs.
**Indian Aerospace Sector**
* **Impact**: Enhanced R&D capabilities, a skilled workforce, and the development of sustainable aviation technologies.
* **Action Required**: Leverage the CoE and the GSV-Airbus partnership to drive innovation and growth.
Key Entities Referenced
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV): India's only University in Transportation and Logistics sector and partner of Airbus in establishing a Centre of Excellence.
Airbus: Multinational aerospace corporation partnering with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to establish a Centre of Excellence.
Centre of Excellence (CoE): A center for aerospace studies established at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in partnership with Airbus, focused on R&D and innovation in the aerospace sector.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): A key focus area of the Centre of Excellence's research and development efforts, converting Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Vadodara, Gujarat: Location of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya where the Centre of Excellence is located.
Ministry of Railways
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, in Partnership with
Airbus, Inaugurates a Centre of Excellence to
Drive Sustainable Aerospace Research,
Innovation and Skill Development
Posted On: 04 FEB 2026 7:17PM by PIB Delhi
Airbus today inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at the Gati Shakti
Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s unique industry-driven central university for the transportation and
logistics sector, based in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The Centre marks a significant milestone in the long-term collaboration between Airbus and GSV to
strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem through organic research, innovation and talent development. A
key focus area of the CoE would be R&D into Sustainable Aviation Fuel and supporting student-led
innovations in future aerospace technologies.
Announced in 2024, the CoE 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, Gati Shakti
Vishwavidyalaya.
“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. 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). We are pleased that this
collaboration between Airbus and GSV will empower students with the skills to lead overall ecosystem
development, shaping India's future aviation landscape and supporting the Government of India’s
Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision,” said Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director, Airbus India
and South Asia.
Prof. Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of GSV highlighted, “Under the guidance of our Hon.
Chancellor Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is converting industry-driven innovation-
led vision into reality for building highly skilled human capital and new technologies for the entire
transportation and logistics sector. Airbus has been the foremost leader to set up one of its kind Industry-
Academia partnership with GSV which has now become a template for the country. The inauguration of
the CoE is yet another tangible step to realize our shared mission and partnership for aerospace sector
growth in the country, in addition earlier actions for setting up Airbus Chair Professorship and Airbus
Scholarships. This whole of the sector approach envisaged by our Hon. PM Sh. Narendra Modi shall be a
key enabler for Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Since 2024, Airbus and GSV have established a holistic partnership aimed at maturing the building blocks
of an integrated aerospace ecosystem in India. This collaboration includes a significant commitment to
human capital development through a full scholarship programme for 45 meritorious and underprivilegedstudents, with one-third of these scholarships reserved for women. To anchor academic excellence, Airbus
has also established a Chair Professor for Aerospace Studies at GSV to support the development of
undergraduate, postgraduate, and short-term executive programmes. Additionally, the partnership has
expanded into high-impact research with a Joint Study Agreement (JSA) to develop sustainable aviation
solutions. This initiative provides grants for R&D focused on converting Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), leveraging GSV’s research capabilities and Airbus' industrial
expertise to create a locally sourced, circular economy for aviation fuel in India.
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s only University in Transportation and Logistics sector, was
established as a Central University by the Act of Parliament in 2022. Following demand-driven
curriculum, the University is mandated to cover the entire transportation sector including Railways,
Aviation, Highways, Ports, Maritime, Shipping, Inland Waterways, Urban Transport and complete
Logistics and supply chain networks. The university is headed by Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister
for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology) as the University
Chancellor.*****
Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki
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