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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Midnight makeovers and million-dollar coats: inside Hyderabad's hub of aviation artistry
When the AirAsia aircraft emblazoned with superstar Rajinikanth's face took flight as part of the 'Kabali' movie promotion back in 2016, it wasn't crafted in a film studio but painted by hand at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The same team gave FlyBeond's aircraft its sleek metallic look, layering copper-toned paint infused with gold-dust mica — a livery that shimmered like no other. Tucked away in a hangar on the edge of the airport, GMR Aero Technic is doing more than just routine maintenance. It's redefining what aircraft transformation looks like, one flawless coat at a time. 'Aircraft painting is not like painting cars or hoardings; here there is no room for error,' says Mohammed Sadiq (name changed), a painter at the facility. 'Every coat, from the base to the clear finish, must be applied with precision because it affects the aircraft's aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. We were trained in everything, from handling paint guns and surface prep to how to safely move on top of the aircraft. It is a critical job that requires both skill and focus,' he adds. Nine aircraft, in various states of transformation, sit beneath high bay lights, some stripped to their bare metal, and others mid-way through a makeover. This is not just mechanical upkeep, this is where global airlines send their jets to be reimagined structurally, visually and functionally. It is a facility that has turned Hyderabad into a serious contender on the global aviation map. A canvas of innovation 'This highly regulated process blends aerodynamics, weight optimisation and visual branding. Every coat matters. Too thick and it adds weight; too rough and it impacts drag. Both affect fuel efficiency and emissions,' explains Ashok Gopinath, president and accountable manager of GMR Aero Technic. Each livery painting takes between seven and 11 days, with over half that time spent on surface preparation. GMR employs around 30 skilled professionals per aircraft paint job, each trained not just in technical standards but in visual artistry. Many come from commercial painting backgrounds, automobiles, hoardings and even signages, and are put through a 6-8 month customised aviation painting programme, including training from global paint manufacturers like PPG, Mankiewicz and AkzoNobel. Painting is typically done between midnight and 6 a.m., when ambient temperatures are optimal and the facility is quieter. Hyderabad's moderate weather gives it an edge over cities like Delhi, where extreme summer or winter temperatures can delay paint cycles. A full repaint typically costs around $200,000 to $250,000, depending on the complexity, materials and branding requirements. 'Each aircraft that leaves early because we save a day on painting saves the airline about $30,000. Our hangar is fully booked till mid-2026,' Mr Gpoinath adds. Unlike stickers or placards that can peel off mid-air, GMR hand-paints intricate liveries, including the now-iconic Air India Express tails, each representing a different Indian art form. 'Each tail is unique. The challenge is to maintain consistency in quality and colour across a 100-foot aircraft surface, often under tight timelines,' he explains. 'Most of our work happens at night when temperatures are stable. We wear full safety gear and make sure all tools are grounded, even static electricity can be dangerous in this job. Painting a plane is a team effort. The aircraft is divided section by section and each painter knows their part, whether it is the tail, body or wings. We take a few steps back, check every curve and joint carefully, and make sure the finish is perfect before we move on,' says Ajit Kumar (name changed), another painter on the team. Maintenance hub to MRO powerhouse Founded in 2011, GMR Aero Technic began by focusing on airframe maintenance, the largest and most infrastructure-heavy vertical within the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) ecosystem. Today, it is India's largest independent MRO and a full-service provider offering everything from end-of-lease checks and C-checks to cabin upgrades and aircraft modifications. With 9+1 operational lines, the facility can handle up to 10 aircraft simultaneously. Roughly 70% of its business comes from international clients, including Kuwait's Jazeera Airways, FlyDubai and Southeast Asian carriers. Domestic clients include IndiGo, Air India Express and SpiceJet. What gives GMR an edge is its extensive regulatory clearances, not just from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), but also from global aviation authorities like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the US Federal Aviation Administration, and over 30 other countries. This level of accreditation places it in competition with the likes of Turkish Technic (Istanbul), ST Engineering (Singapore) and Joramco (Jordan). Ecosystem the Singapore way GMR's ambition is not just limited to airframe work or paint. It envisions Hyderabad as South Asia's one-stop MRO ecosystem, akin to Singapore's world-class aerospace hub. To this end, the company has tied up with global players like Spirit AeroSystems (for engine nacelle repairs), Safran (for DSL booths) and Liebherr (for heat exchangers). It has also launched an aviation academy offering DGCA and EASA-approved training programmes, grooming the next generation of MRO professionals. A future in wide bodies The next major leap is already on the drawing board: by 2027, GMR plans to add a wide-body aircraft paint hangar, which will allow it to handle long-haul jets like the Boeing 777 aircraft that Indian airlines like Air India currently send abroad, often to the US, for painting. 'That work will be done here in Hyderabad,' says As the aviation world grows, the demand for precision maintenance and visual branding is skyrocketing. The next time a plane takes to the skies gleaming with a new coat, chances are that the shimmer was born in a quiet hangar in Hyderabad.
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Two deported Albanians sneak back into UK to run £1m cannabis farm… and are banished from the country again
A PAIR of Albanian drug producers have been jailed after running a cannabis farm worth £1 million. The men had already been deported by police previously and had illegally snuck back into the UK to run their cannabis farm. 2 Daniel Kabali was one half of a pair running a £1 million cannabis farm Credit: Supplied 2 Fatos Demucaj and his accomplice have both received hefty jail sentences Credit: Supplied Fatos Demucaj, 34, and Daniel Kabali, 22, had illegally returned to Yorkshire to set up their illegal operation. However, they were finally caught when cops raided a Woolston Warehouse building in Bradford in April. Police broke into the boarded up warehouse to discover 600 cannabis plants, which were nearly ready to provide two yields of 50kg. Each yield had an estimated value of £500,000 meaning the pair were hiding a £1 million cannabis farm in the warehouse. They had even made small renovations to the building to support their drug operation, including adding in an 'additional chimney' and messing with the electrical systems. Demucaj was caught while trying to flee the building, while Kabali - his accomplice - was arrested on the third floor of the building. Prosecutor Jordan Millican told Bradford Crown Court on July 9 that both men had previously been deported from the UK and had returned illegally to run their drug operation. Kabali had been deported to Albania after serving a 15-month sentence in a young offender's institution. Meanwhile, Demucaj had entered the country illegally in 2013 before agreeing to return home to Albania just months later. He returned to the UK in 2015 and was subsequently hit with a 28-month jail sentence for possessing Class A drugs with intent. Locals share their best tips for Albania from tropical beaches to 40p dishes… and the tourist traps to avoid Demucaj was deported for a second time in May 2023, but returned once again. Both men pleaded guilty to breaching their deportation conditions and to producing cannabis, with Kabali receiving a four year prison sentence. Demucaj was slammed with a slightly longer sentence of four years and three months. After serving half of their sentences in the UK, they will be automatically deported to Albania.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Two deported Albanians sneak back into UK to run £1m cannabis farm… and are banished from the country again
A PAIR of Albanian drug producers have been jailed after running a cannabis farm worth £1 million. The men had already been deported by police previously and had illegally snuck back into the UK to run their Advertisement 2 Daniel Kabali was one half of a pair running a £1 million cannabis farm Credit: Supplied 2 Fatos Demucaj and his accomplice have both received hefty jail sentences Credit: Supplied Fatos Demucaj, 34, and Daniel Kabali, 22, had illegally returned to Yorkshire to set up their illegal operation. However, they were finally caught when cops raided a Woolston Warehouse building in Police broke into the boarded up warehouse to discover 600 cannabis plants, which were nearly ready to provide two yields of 50kg. Each yield had an estimated value of £500,000 meaning the pair were hiding a £1 million Advertisement Read More on UK Crime They had even made small renovations to the building to support their drug operation, including adding in an 'additional chimney' and messing with the electrical systems. Demucaj was caught while trying to flee the building, while Kabali - his accomplice - was arrested on the third floor of the building. Prosecutor Jordan Millican told Bradford Crown Court on July 9 that both men had previously been deported from the UK and had returned illegally to run their drug operation. Kabali had been deported to Advertisement Most read in The Sun Meanwhile, Demucaj had entered the country illegally in 2013 before agreeing to return home to He returned to the UK in 2015 and was subsequently hit with a 28-month jail sentence for possessing Class A drugs with intent. Locals share their best tips for Albania from tropical beaches to 40p dishes… and the tourist traps to avoid Demucaj was deported for a second time in May 2023, but returned once again. Both men pleaded guilty to breaching their deportation conditions and to producing cannabis, with Kabali receiving a four year prison sentence. Advertisement Demucaj was slammed with a slightly longer sentence of four years and three months. After serving half of their sentences in the UK, they will be automatically deported to
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sister Midnight: Where to watch Radhika Apte's bold feminist drama online
Sister Midnight OTT release: Sister Midnight, which had a limited theatrical release in India on May 30, has proved to be a game-changer for Radhika Apte. The film features a bold theme and gives her the opportunity to showcase her abilities to the fullest. In India, Sister Midnight is available to watch on Tubi. In the UK, it is available to stream on services such as Apple TV and Google Play. What's the story about? Sister Midnight is a dark comedy drama that centres on a newly-married woman who arrives in Mumbai with her husband and soon finds herself stuck in a dull marriage. Her husband neglects her and never gets intimate with her. She develops a bond with an 'aunty' who lives next door, but that too adds to her worries. Meet the cast and crew Sister Midnight features Radhika Apte as Uma, a married woman. The actress is a known name in the film industry. Some of her biggest releases include Kabali, Parched, and Badlapur. She also essayed key roles in Sacred Games and Ghoul. She is joined by Ashok Pathak, who plays her husband, Gopal. The 40-year-old is best known for his work on Panchayat. The cast of Sister Midnight also includes Dev Raaz, Chhaya Kadam and Smita Tambe. Sister Midnight is directed by Karan Kandhari, Paul Banks serves as the music director.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Radhika Apte out, Nivetha Thomas in Vijay Sethupathi and Puri Jagannadh's film
Vijay Sethupathi 's next film, directed by the dynamic Puri Jagannadh , is already making waves even before going on floors. Initially, it was speculated that actress Radhika Apte , who left a mark with her performance in 'Kabali,' would be playing a key role in the film. Her inclusion generated quite a buzz among fans and cinephiles alike. However, Radhika Apte has now officially announced that she will not be a part of the project, bringing an end to the circulating rumours. Female lead role sees unexpected changes Earlier, reports suggested that the film's female lead would be essayed by Tabu. Following that, talks reportedly progressed with Radhika Apte, and it was believed that she had agreed to take up the role. Her exit from the project came as a surprise, especially after early indications suggested her involvement was confirmed. With the female lead spot vacant once again, fans were eagerly waiting to know who would be cast in her place. Nivetha Thomas likely to step in A latest report from Indiaglitz reveals that actress Nivetha Thomas is likely to step into the role originally planned for Radhika Apte. Nivetha Thomas is no stranger to Tamil cinema audiences, having delivered commendable performances in films like 'Papanasam' (starring Kamal Haasan), 'Darbar' (with Rajinikanth), and 'Jilla' (alongside Vijay). With her strong screen presence and versatile acting, she is expected to bring a new dimension to the character. An official announcement regarding her inclusion in the cast is expected soon. A promising first-time collaboration This upcoming film marks the first collaboration between Vijay Sethupathi and director Puri Jagannadh. Known for his fast-paced, mass action entertainers, Puri's style paired with Vijay Sethupathi's intense screen persona promises something fresh for fans. The film is touted to be a high-octane action drama, and with the cast shaping up intriguingly, expectations are already running high for this exciting venture. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
