Boeing launches its first Global Support Center in India, also announces investment in new logistics center

MUMBAI: US aerospace major Boeing on Monday announced the launch of its first global support center (GSC) in India and also plans to invest in a new logistics center to cater to its regional customers.

The Gurugram-based GSC will deliver "customized operational efficiency and safety improvement projects" for Boeing’s airline customers, civil aviation regulatory bodies and other industry stakeholders, the company said. The India Logistics Center, in its initial phase, will focus on supporting airline customers, it added.

Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India said that GSC- India will provide a platform to enable knowledge transfer for enhancing safety and increasing operational efficiency for Boeing’s airline partners in the country.

"As part of the initiative, the GSC- India will conduct technical workshops and projects to support aircraft reliability, enhance airplane performance, and encourage the adoption of Airplane Health Management (AHM) systems. For operational improvements, GSC - India will work with operators and regulators on structures and airworthiness; the Maintenance Error Decision Aid (MEDA), a human-factors tool; Air Traffic Management (ATM); aerospace optimization; and low visibility operation through Head-Up Display (HUD) and Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). The Center will also conduct flight operations symposiums, engineering seminars, and continue the development of new technology studies impacting airports and operators alike," said Boeing.

As the Indian civil aviation sector continues to rapidly advance towards becoming the world’s third largest passenger market surpassed only by the U.S. and China, that is, the fleet of Indian airlines is projected to nearly quadruple in size by 2041 compared to 2019.

"With a growing domestic market and increasing opportunities for international growth, the airlines will require more holistic service support to drive efficient fleet operations. Today, more than 150 Boeing airplanes, including the Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX, 757, 777, and 787 Dreamliner, are operated by leading Indian commercial airlines," Boeing said.

In the second phase, the India Logistics Center will cater to the larger network of Boeing’s customers in the region.

"Through the Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub program, Boeing is already supporting local customers by creating an ecosystem of comprehensive support packages and indigenous Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities with its partners," the company said.

Currently, India operates a fleet of Boeing aircraft, including 11 C-17s, 22 AH-64 Apaches (with an additional 6 on order), 15 CH-47 Chinooks, 12 P-8Is, 3 VVIP aircraft, and 2 Head of State aircraft.

Ashwani Bhargava, senior director, India Supply Chain, Boeing India said: "A key element of efficient customer support is rapid response and distribution of replacement parts,” said Ashwani Bhargava, senior director, India Supply Chain, Boeing India.

"India is well-positioned to localize maintenance services capabilities and provide cost-effective solutions given its large technical labor force, including uniquely qualified and highly trained technicians and industry capabilities. With over eight decades of presence in India, Boeing has built a strong network support for its customers in the region through various initiatives and partnerships while contributing to the growth and development of Indian aerospace and defence sector."