Boeing has announced a $100 million investment in infrastructure and programs to train pilots in India, according to a White House statement, addressing India's growing demand for skilled pilots.
This comes on the backdrop of Air India signing firm orders of over 200 jets earlier this week from Boeing, which include 20 787 Dreamliners, 10 777Xs, and 190 737 MAX narrowbody aircraft.
The development also comes along with a flurry of deals signed by US and Indian companies on the sidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington.
Over the next two decades, India is projected to require approximately 31,000 new pilots, and Boeing intends to play a pivotal role in meeting this demand.
The investment is a testament to India's emergence as a key player in the global aviation market, Boeing said in a statement. Boeing's decision to invest in India not only underscores the company's confidence in the country's potential but also reflects its strategic vision to tap into this lucrative market, the statement added.
As part of its investment, Boeing has completed the construction of a state-of-the-art C-17 aftermarket support facility for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. This facility will enhance the company's ability to provide support to the Indian Air Force's fleet of C-17 aircraft. In addition, Boeing has also established a new parts logistics centre in India, which will facilitate efficient supply chain management and delivery of critical components.
During the joint address at the White House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden said, “Air India's agreement with Boeing to acquire over 200 American-made aircraft further strengthens the bond between the two nations. This deal not only benefits India's civil aviation sector but also has significant implications for the American economy.”
“The purchase of these aircraft is estimated to support more than one million jobs across 44 states in the United States. It highlights the mutually beneficial nature of the partnership between Boeing and India, contributing to the modernisation and growth of both countries' aviation industries,” Biden said.
Boeing's investment in India aligns with the broader vision of the Indian government to transform the country into a global aviation hub. With the implementation of progressive policies, infrastructure development, and emphasis on skill development, India is striving to create an enabling environment for the aviation industry to thrive.
Boeing has acquired a third of new aircraft orders from India in the past 18 months, per data Circium.