The Boeing and AI Engineering Services Limited partnership involves Boeing providing training materials, aids, and instructor support meanwhile AIESL will offer infrastructure and instructors while seeking approval from the DGCA.
Boeing and AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) have entered into a collaborative effort to enhance aircraft maintenance training in India. The partnership involves Boeing providing training materials, aids, and instructor support to ensure the standardization of AIESL’s training programs. On the other hand, AIESL will offer infrastructure and instructors while seeking approval from the Indian regulatory authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), for conducting maintenance training for customers.
“The collaboration with AIESL strengthens and supports the development of Boeing’s customer-focused capability in the region,” said Chris Broom, vice president, Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. “Through working together, we anticipate Boeing and AIESL will be well positioned to provide high-quality maintenance training while contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of aviation in India,” he further added.
Meeting the strong industry demand for trained maintenance technicians in India is crucial for the expansion of in-country expertise. According to Boeing’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook, India will require nearly 33,000 pilots and 34,000 maintenance technicians through 2042. The collaboration with AIESL is expected to expand local capacity to deliver comprehensive training programs, ensuring compliance with DGCA CAR-66 regulations.
“By partnering with AIESL, we are investing in the future of aircraft maintenance capability in India. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to nurturing local talent to support the growth of the indigenous MRO industry,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and South Asia.
The collaboration between Boeing and AIESL is part of the Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub program. The BIRDS hub is a local network of suppliers working to build a robust MRO ecosystem for defense and commercial aircraft in India. It focuses on developing sub-tier suppliers, Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), and training programs to enhance skilled manpower and build high-quality MRO capabilities in the country.
“The tie up with Boeing on maintenance training in the fastest growing aviation market will go a long way in supporting industry requirements. AIESL would be able to support training requirements for at least 100 engineers each year going forward,” said Sharad Agarwal, CEO, AIESL.
Boeing has played a pivotal role in India’s aerospace sector for over 80 years, contributing significantly to the country’s commercial aviation growth and the modernization of its defense forces. The company is committed to delivering value to Indian customers through advanced technologies and sustainable practices in the aerospace sector. Boeing aligns its business strategy with India’s “Make in India” and “Skill India” initiatives, focusing on manufacturing, co-production, co-development, skill development, and innovation.
“Collaboration between OEM expertise such as Boeing’s and local capability such as that of AIESL, is integral to our vision for a sustainable and competitive aviation and MRO industry. By working together in aircraft maintenance, we strengthen our position on the global stage,” said Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
Boeing’s engagement in India includes investments in local suppliers, collaborations with academic and research institutions, and efforts to enhance airspace management. The company’s commitment to the Indian aerospace industry extends to sourcing, with an annual expenditure of $1 billion from a network of over 300 suppliers. Boeing’s operations in India provide employment opportunities, with over 6,000 people directly employed by Boeing and more than 13,000 working with its supply chain partners.
“Partnership between an aircraft manufacturer and a maintenance training organization augurs well for budding engineers who would undergo trainings as per best training aids, standards and practices, in conformity with the prescribed regulatory framework, raising safety standards in maintenance in the long run,” said Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Also Read- AFI KLM E&M provides component support for Bonza Airline
The Boeing–AIESL collaboration aims to provide advanced maintenance training in the rapidly growing aviation market in India, contributing to industry requirements, safety standards, and the long-term development of aviation and MRO capabilities in the country.
