- Synchronizing Time and Elevating Aviation Operations in India
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 05 December 2024. At the India Airport Expo, where the industry gathered to showcase the latest in aviation technology, Masibus, a “50-year-young” company, made a strong impression with its innovative time synchronization solutions. Harshil Thakkar, Product Manager from Masibus, shares insights with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) about the company’s journey, their flagship products and how they are making waves in aviation and Defence sectors.
ADU. Can you introduce Masibus for our readers?
Harshil Thakkar. We are a 50-year-young company offering advanced time synchronization solutions. At the Indi Airport Expo, we are showcasing our portfolio, including our digital clocks, which are pivotal for the airport industry.
ADU. What exactly do these digital clocks and time synchronization solutions do?
Harshil Thakkar. Our time synchronization solution ensures all systems in an airport—such as IT services, IPVHS, DVRs, VCCS, GBAR, and EVN systems—operate with a unified reference time. This eliminates discrepancies across systems. The solution includes a server for installation in ATC towers and digital clocks for every room, providing synchronized time down to the second.
ADU. When did Masibus enter the aviation sector, and what’s the current reach of your products?
Harshil Thakkar. We started focusing on airports in 2018, winning tenders for installations at airports like Chennai, Pondicherry, Tuticorin, and Salem. Today, our solutions are present in over 15 airports across India, including one in the UAE at Ras Al Khaimah Airport. We are also in discussions with European and Middle Eastern system integrators to expand further.
ADU. What gives Masibus an edge over its competitors in the time synchronization space?
Harshil Thakkar. Our products are designed, developed, and manufactured in India with over 70% local content. This makes them cost-effective, reliable, and rugged compared to global competitors like MEINBERG from Germany. Moreover, we have strong references from global players like Yokogawa, Siemens, and Hitachi, who trust our products for diverse industries.
ADU. Are Masibus products aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative?
Harshil Thakkar. Absolutely. Our manufacturing facilities in Gandhinagar and Goa ensure that 100% of our products are made in India, with over 70% of components sourced locally. This supports local supply chains and creates jobs while maintaining high-quality standards.
ADU. How about your presence in Defence and homeland security markets?
Harshil Thakkar. We’ve recently supplied our time servers to the Indian Navy for synchronizing DVR systems with CCTV cameras at their base in Uran Bunder. This is just the beginning, and we see vast potential for our solutions across Defence branches like the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The product can also be tailored for critical applications in DRDO and similar organizations.
ADU. What’s the scope for collaboration with global players?
Harshil Thakkar. We see significant potential to partner with international companies looking to penetrate the Indian market. Many German and Italian players prefer working with us due to our robust manufacturing capabilities and cost-effective production aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
ADU. Do you think the growing focus on aviation infrastructure in India benefits Masibus?
Harshil Thakkar. Absolutely. With the government’s push to expand airports, there’s a rising demand for reliable and efficient systems like ours. We are optimistic about being an integral part of this growth story.
ADU. Any challenges in ensuring supply chain efficiency in India?
Harshil Thakkar. Our supply chain is predominantly Indian, but we import a few specialized components from Germany and the USA. That said, we focus on local sourcing to support job creation and align with national priorities.
ADU. Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Harshil Thakkar. The world is moving towards electrification and sustainability. Our solutions align with these values, offering high efficiency and supporting a greener future. As airports and industries evolve, we aim to provide cutting-edge products that meet their needs seamlessly.
Masibus has proven itself as a key player in time synchronization solutions, offering products that cater to aviation, Defence, and beyond. With its commitment to ‘Make in India’ and a growing presence in global markets, Masibus exemplifies how Indian companies can deliver world-class innovation. As India’s aviation infrastructure continues to expand, Masibus is well-positioned to support this growth and drive technological advancements.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
