Boeing to engage further with India on skill development

Global aircraft manufacturer Boeing Friday said it will expand its cooperation with India on skill development.

"We are focusing our efforts to support the Prime Minister's 'Make in India' initiative by developing a competitive supplier base in the country that is fully integrated into Boeing's global supply chain," said Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India.

"We are skilling the front-line workforce to become capable of supporting aerospace-grade manufacturing."

Kumar said that as India is poised to become the fastest growing large economy, the scope of aviation sector becomes more and more important, as it has a positive multiplier effect on the economy.

The company has estimated that the country will require around 1,600 aircraft till 2033.

According to industry estimates, India will require around 90,000 skilled work force to meet the demands of the aerospace manufacturing sector in India.

"Currently we are supporting the skilling activity through our CSR (corporate social responsibility) funds. We are collaborating with NSDC (National Skills Development Corporation) and other institutions. We would like to expand this partnership," Kumar said at a media briefing here.

Kumar added that the company is not just providing funds for skill developments through its CSR funds but also providing state-of-the-art course material to the students.

The company has collaborated with Airport Authority of India (AAI) on its total airspace and airport modelling (TAAM) operations and training solutions.

The company has also partnered with India's private sector. Currently, it has collaborated with TAL Manufacturing Solutions (TAL) for the first floor beam for the 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Other collaborations include with Dynamatics for the aft pylon and cargo ramp assemblies for the Chinook helicopter and contract with Rossell on the wire harness.

On the tough operating condition of Indian passenger carriers, Kumar said that Boeing will provide the best innovative solutions coupled with fuel efficiencies to help the airline sector.

"We are working closely with our airline partners and we will provide best solutions for them to turn around. With current oil prices, I think they will be able to turn around their (financial) performances," Kumar added.