PM Modi inaugurates Boeing facility in Bengaluru, ushering in a new era for aircraft manufacturing in India.
PM Modi Boeing facility inauguration:The Prime Minister stressed the need for India to accelerate the establishment of a prominent aircraft manufacturing ecosystem. This involves leveraging the MSME network and diverse talent pool for more effective progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Friday that companies can now swiftly proceed with the construction of India's inaugural fully designed and manufactured aircraft. This accelerated progress is attributed to India's robust 'Make In India' policy and stable governance. The announcement came during the inauguration of the advanced Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
Emphasizing the need for a leading aircraft manufacturing ecosystem, Modi urged India to capitalize on the MSME network and diverse talent pool. He expressed confidence that, with the country's strong foundation of MSMEs, a skilled workforce, stable governance, and a robust Make In India policy, the waiting time for aircraft manufacturers will significantly decrease.
During the event, Prime Minister Modi also introduced the Boeing Sukanya Programme, aimed at promoting the involvement of more girls in India's burgeoning aviation sector.
The Boeing Sukanya Programme has been launched to offer girls and women opportunities to acquire essential skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), along with specialized training in the aviation sector. Specifically designed for young girls, the initiative will establish STEM Labs at 150 locations to cultivate an early interest in STEM careers. Additionally, the programme aims to grant scholarships to women undergoing training to become pilots.
The Prime Minister highlighted India's standing as a hub for STEM education, noting that more girls are enrolling in STEM courses than boys in the country. He underscored India's global position in terms of women's participation in the aviation industry, stating that women constitute 15% of all pilots in India, three times higher than the global average. Modi emphasized India's ongoing efforts to create opportunities for women in the aviation and aerospace sector, including the goal of having more women as fighter pilots. He expressed confidence that the Boeing Sukanya Programme would serve as inspiration for more women to pursue careers in aviation.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's significant growth in the civil aviation sector over the past decade, with operational airports soaring from 70 in 2014 to 150 in 2024. India now stands as the third-largest market in domestic aviation. Anticipating a surge in domestic passengers, Indian airlines have ordered 100 aircraft. Improvements in airport efficiency and capacity have also boosted the cargo sector, enhancing international market accessibility. Modi underscored India's efforts to reduce reliance on offshore leasing and financing of aircraft.
Additionally, he highlighted the noteworthy socio-economic progress, with over 25 crore people lifted out of poverty in the last nine years. Many Indians now enjoy a neo-middle-class lifestyle, showcasing upward mobility across all income groups.
To address the growing demand for pilots and mechanics in the Indian aviation industry, Boeing has committed to investing in simulator infrastructure, software, and the development of training curriculum. This investment aims to meet the country's requirements for new pilots over the next two decades. Notably, a portion of this investment will be dedicated to supporting the aspirations of customers, including companies like Air India, which intends to establish its own training business.
Boeing's Biggest Investment Beyond the United States
Constructed with a substantial investment of Rs 1,600 crores, the 43-acre campus located in Devanahalli near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru represents Boeing's most significant financial commitment outside the United States. This new campus is anticipated to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration with India's dynamic startup community, private enterprises, and the government ecosystem. It aims to contribute to the development of cutting-edge products and services for the global aerospace and defense industry.
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