Modi inaugurates State of the Art Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center (BIETC)

BANGALORE/ NEW DELHI. It was a big day for Indian Aviation this January 19 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Boeing's largest BIETC campus in Bangalore with the hope that someday, Boeing would design aircraft of the future at this facility for manufacturing in India.

- GULSHAN LUTHRA

This technology Centre, observed Modi, demonstrates India's commitment to drive global tech, research & innovation, design and demand, strengthening the country's 'Make in India-Make for the World' resolution' and that "This campus reinforces the world's trust in India's pool of talent," adding that the youth of India would now have multiple opportunities to acquire new skills in the aviation industry.

The Prime Minister said he has had dreams for growth of aviation in India, with an 'emotional touch,' and in this perspective, he could say that without the conviction and faith of the Boeing Team, his emotional touch would not realise into the required growth. "This facility demonstrates India's commitment to drive global tech, research & innovation, design and demand. This strengthens the 'Make in India-Make for the World' resolution." Pointing out that BIETC was the largest Boeing facility outside the US, Modi thanked the entire Boeing management for its commitment to India's aviation sector, observing that BIETC would strengthen global confidence in India's pool of talent as also train boys and girls in various aspects of civil and military aviation.

He noted that the demand for pilots and other staff are high, and that the number of operational airports in India has already gone up to 150 now from about 70 in 2014.

SCIENTIFIC TEMPER, STEM AND WOMEN

A key highlight of Mr Modi's address was his emphasis on Scientific Temper among the youths, and STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. He noted that more and more women were now opting for STEM, and already playing a defining role even in India’s space programmes. Boeing Executive Vice President and Chief Operating