Boeing Partners with GMR Aero Technic to Establish Repurposing Facility For Passenger Planes
To meet rising global cargo demand, Boeing has partnered with India's GMR Aero Technic to establish a facility in the Asian country that will convert passenger planes into freight planes.
The freighter conversion line will be launched in Hyderabad by Boeing and GMR. India's freight operations will support both domestic and global demand.
According to a press release, GMR Aero Technic is the first Boeing supplier in India to be capable of supporting future conversions of both domestic and foreign aircraft.
Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, told reporters in New Delhi that the cargo market has arrived.
"Our cooperation with GMR Aero Technic is not only a testimony of the maturation of Indian MROs in the country to support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat but also supports the anticipated growth of the carog sector in the region," he said in the release.
According to sources, the facility will contribute to Boeing's $1 billion supply chain sourcing from India and will help India's ambitions to become a global cargo hub. He did not say when the facility would be built or how much money would be invested.
The aviation behemoth has increased its emphasis on India. In February, it announced plans to invest $24 billion in the establishment of an aeroplane parts logistics centre. Air India also placed a record order with Boeing and Airbus for approximately 500 jets worth more than $100 billion at list prices.