In a significant move reflecting its long-term commitment to India, global aerospace leader Pratt & Whitney has appointed Ashish Saraf as Vice President and Country Head for India. This appointment comes at a crucial time when the company seeks to expand its digital footprint, strengthen local partnerships, and reinforce its support for government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. Saraf’s extensive experience across the aerospace and defense sector positions him as a strong leader to guide the company’s operations and ambitions in the country.
As Pratt & Whitney continues to invest in India’s aerospace ecosystem, Saraf’s appointment marks a strategic step toward enhancing innovation, customer service, and collaboration with Indian partners. With India emerging as a critical hub in the global aviation sector, the company appears determined to leverage local talent and opportunities under Saraf’s leadership.
A Leader With Proven Expertise
Ashish Saraf brings with him a remarkable track record in the aerospace and defense industry, having held several senior leadership roles across major global corporations. Most recently, he served as Vice-President and Country Director for India at Thales, where he led cross-market growth and strategic initiatives.
Previously, he held the position of President and Head of Region for India and South Asia at Airbus Helicopters, further underlining his capabilities in navigating complex, technology-driven sectors. Additionally, Saraf served as Vice-President and Make in India Officer at Airbus, where he played a key role in advancing the company’s localization efforts.
A Career Rooted in Innovation and Strategy
Throughout his career, Saraf has consistently delivered innovative solutions while aligning with national priorities and customer needs. He has also headed the Tata–Sikorsky joint venture in Hyderabad, which focused on manufacturing and assembling helicopter components in India. Moreover, he gained valuable consulting experience during his tenure with Deloitte Consulting and Dassault Systèmes.
His academic credentials include degrees from the University of London, Cornell University, the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in India. These qualifications reflect a strong foundation in both engineering and business strategy, which will now benefit Pratt & Whitney’s operations in India.
Strategic Timing Amid Industry Challenges
Saraf’s appointment comes at a critical time when Indian carriers using Airbus A320 aircraft face ongoing issues related to Pratt & Whitney engines. These technical challenges have placed the company under increased scrutiny and created an urgent need for robust leadership and customer engagement in the region.
Therefore, placing Saraf at the helm signals Pratt & Whitney’s intent to address these concerns with greater accountability and responsiveness. His local insights and international experience equip him to strengthen ties with Indian airline customers and regulatory authorities alike.
Pratt & Whitney’s Expanding Footprint in India
Over the past four years, Pratt & Whitney has invested over $40 million in India, underscoring its long-term vision for the region. Most notably, the company recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art Customer Service Center in Bengaluru, which is expected to employ over 150 aerospace professionals.
This facility will not only boost after-sales support but also act as a hub for digital solutions, engineering, and supply chain collaboration. Additionally, the company continues to work with Indian aerospace suppliers to advance local manufacturing, research, and innovation.
Commitment to India’s Self-Reliance Goals
Pratt & Whitney has aligned its strategy with India’s national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aiming to promote indigenous capabilities and reduce dependency on imports. Under Saraf’s leadership, the company intends to deepen these efforts by investing in skilling programs, supplier development, and collaborative R&D initiatives.
As India grows its aviation infrastructure and capabilities, Pratt & Whitney appears well-positioned to support this transformation while benefiting from the region’s immense potential.
Conclusion
With Ashish Saraf assuming leadership in India, Pratt & Whitney has demonstrated its commitment to growth, innovation, and regional integration. His appointment arrives at a moment when the company must address technical challenges while pursuing deeper engagement with Indian stakeholders. As India’s aerospace landscape evolves rapidly, Saraf’s vision and leadership will likely shape Pratt & Whitney’s next chapter of success in the country.
