LONG-TERM COMMITTMENT

Boeing continues to remain committed to creating the right conditions for a strong and indigenous aviation ecosystem in India, says Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India

- Niranjan Mudholkar

You have been at the helm of Boeing India for almost 20 months now. How has been the journey so far?

India is one of the world’s fastest growing aviation and defence markets and Boeing has had a presence in the country for over 75 years now. I have been privileged to be a part of this journey, which has seen several milestones in the last year alone.

The Indian Air Force inducted their first Chinook and Apache helicopters in 2019 and we recently completed all deliveries, 15 Chinooks and 22 Apaches. We also delivered the 11th C-17 Globemaster in 2019. We delivered two technologically advanced 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to Vistara this year, a first for India. We also modified and delivered the 777-300ER aircraft that will serve as India’s Head of State aircraft. We delivered two 737-800 BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) in 2019 to SpiceXpress, SpiceJet’s cargo division, which is the first of its type to operate in South Asia.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence signed the contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army. In line with our commitment to bringing the best of Boeing to India and Make in India, the Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited facility has been producing aero-structures for Boeing’s AH-64 Apache helicopter for the US Army and international customers.

“Business resilience has become as important as business productivity. We have to redesign our global operations and supply chains to protect against future aftershocks and crises. We expect to see rebalancing and a trend towards increasing diversity in industrial footprints and supplier bases.”