Boeing Global Services will support Air India, offering a wide range of solutions encompassing parts provisioning, digital applications, training programs, and modification services.
Boeing’s seasoned customer Air India, one of South Asia’s prominent airlines, is embarking on a strategic fleet expansion to meet the burgeoning demand for domestic and international air travel in the region. In February 2023, the airline revealed its plans to acquire cutting-edge Boeing aircraft, including the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, and 777X models. As part of this comprehensive agreement, Boeing Global Services will extend its support to Air India, offering a wide range of solutions encompassing parts provisioning, digital applications, training programs, and modification services.
Air India’s fleet expansion plans and partnership with Boeing also have significant implications for the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. As Air India adds new Boeing aircraft to its fleet, it will require MRO services to ensure the continued airworthiness and reliability of its planes. Boeing Global Services, with its extensive experience and expertise in MRO solutions, will play a crucial role in supporting Air India’s maintenance operations. Through this strategic collaboration with Boeing, Air India is poised to optimize its operations, enhance customer experience, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth in the dynamic aviation market of South Asia.
Furthermore, Boeing’s involvement in training programs for Air India pilots indicates a focus on competency-based training and assessment. This approach ensures that pilots are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate Boeing aircraft safely and effectively. MRO providers often collaborate closely with airlines in training and skill development to ensure that their maintenance personnel are proficient in handling specific aircraft models. By enhancing pilot training, Air India can improve the overall safety and maintenance practices within the organization.
“Our relationship with Boeing includes both airplanes and services, that will support our requirements for fleet expansion and continuous improvement in operational efficiency for decades to come,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India. “As we plan for transformative growth in the years ahead, the services provided by Boeing will be an essential part of our efforts to improve reliability, on-time performance and customer satisfaction,” he further added.
Air India is fully committed to its comprehensive growth strategy known as Vihaan.AI, which encompasses a comprehensive transformation plan and rapid fleet expansion. To support seamless and sustainable flight and maintenance operations during this transition, the airline will leverage a range of products and services offered by Boeing Global Services.
A key aspect of the collaboration lies in digital solutions. Air India recognizes the importance of agile crew scheduling to maintain a stable and cost-efficient operation. To facilitate accurate crew planning that caters to current needs and future expansion requirements, the airline will adopt several Jeppesen crew management solutions, including Crew Rostering, Crew Pairing, and the Boeing Alertness Model. These solutions aim to enhance operational stability, reduce crew-related costs, and streamline crew management processes.
Stephanie Pope, President, and CEO, Boeing Global Services said, “We greatly appreciate Air India’s confidence in our products and services. We look forward to supporting them by ensuring their current and future fleet operates safely, sustainably, and efficiently.”
In addition to digital solutions, Boeing Global Services will provide comprehensive managed parts programs for Air India. This includes the 787 landing gear exchange program, which guarantees the availability of landing gear shipsets whenever and wherever they are needed. The program simplifies the contracting, scheduling, and management of the overhaul process, enabling customers to quickly exchange landing gears with certified replacement sets from a dedicated resource pool.
Boeing will oversee all aspects of parts, engineering, and technical requirements, offering a flexible exchange solution that reduces customer inventory costs. Moreover, Boeing will extend its support to Air India by providing access to loaner landing gear shipsets and parts during unforeseen Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations.
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To ensure a skilled and competent pilot workforce, Boeing will conduct training sessions for Air India pilots on the 737 MAX through its competency-based training and assessment program. The training will be conducted on-site in New Delhi, enabling pilots to familiarize themselves with the advanced features of the aircraft and enhance their operational proficiency. Furthermore, Boeing will assist Air India in comprehensive interiors upgrades for its existing 787 fleet. Leveraging Boeing’s interiors solutions, Air India aims to enhance the passenger experience and achieve brand harmonization, paving the way for future fleet expansion.
