China has been one of the more essential markets within the Asia-Pacific region for several years. But in recent years, another critical market has emerged as India focuses more on its aviation industry. With India expected to become more significant, aircraft manufacturer Boeing has decided to set its root within the country with a new logistics center.

Boeing's planned $24 million investment

Soon to be named the India Logistics Center, the new facility will cost the manufacturer approximately $24 million. While it's a pretty heavy investment, Boeing feels confident about the logistics center as in the initial phase of operations, it will speed up access to various spare parts to help improve airframe production and aircraft availability for airlines.

Vistara Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner VT-TSO
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying.

The India Logistics Center will essentially be an ecosystem of comprehensive support packages with maintenance capabilities. With more convenient access to spares, the manufacturer hopes the new facility will reduce flight cancelations or grounding due to maintenance issues.

Overall, the India Logistics Center supports an efficient and cost-effective service solution for regional airline customers to maintain higher fleet utilization and mission readiness rates. Ashwani Bhargava, Senior Director of the India Supply Chain at Boeing India, commented:

"A key element of efficient customer support is rapid response and distribution of replacement parts. The India Logistics Center will allow better responsiveness and build on Boeing's existing global reputation for the highest quality of customer service."

Air India Express Boeing 737
Photo: WeChitra | Shutterstock

Supporting the growth of the Indian aviation industry

Concerning the growth of the Indian aviation industry, the numerous airlines present are expected to place orders for anywhere between 1,500 to 1,700 aircraft by next year. This is why, besides the planned build of the India Logistics Center, Boeing is further expanding its footprint in the country with the launch of its first Global Support Center.

The new infrastructure is based in Gurgaon and will be delivering customized optimized operational efficiency and safety enhancement projects for Boeing's airline customers, civil aviation regulatory bodies, and other industry stakeholders.

Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX at Delhi Airport
Photo: Akasa Air

Boeing will use the Global Support Center to conduct technical workshops and projects to support aircraft reliability, enhance airplane performance, and encourage the adoption of Airplane Health Management systems. The facility will also be used for Boeing to conduct flight operations symposiums and engineering seminars.

Additionally, the Global Support Center will allow Boeing to work with operators and regulators on the continued development of new technology studies impacting airports and airlines alike. Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, highlighted:

“With India continuing to see an unprecedented surge in civil aviation traffic, Boeing is committed to innovating and bringing value to modernize the Indian aviation ecosystem. We are proud to launch the Global Support Center - India, which will provide a platform to enable knowledge transfer for enhancing safety and increasing operational efficiency for our airline partners in the country."

SpiceJet Boeing 737 MAX
Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock

Bottom line

Boeing's investment in India will be worthwhile. The initiative of a Global Resource Center and the planned India Logistics Center will certainly help the aircraft manufacturer overcome the current supply-chain issues, ensuring the best level of customer service.

Find more news about Asian aviation here

And for the airlines, it's always nice to have additional resources so close to home. As for India, with both Airbus and Boeing investing heavily in its aviation industry and setting up great facilities, it'll be interesting to witness the rapid growth of what is expected to be the third-largest market internationally.

What do you think of Boeing's heavy investments in India? Tell us in the comments below.

  • 787-8 Dreamliner
    Boeing
    Stock Code:
    BA
    Date Founded:
    1916-07-15
    CEO:
    Dave Calhoun
    Headquarters Location:
    Chicago, USA
    Key Product Lines:
    Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787
    Business Type:
    Planemaker