BOEING — COMMITTED TO INDIA
During the Event, Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP Guide Publications raised some pertinent Questions to the Boeing team:
Jayant Baranwal (Baranwal): How do you perceive the progress of Akasa and Air India, as they are back to the Tata brand?
Ryan Weir (Weir): We are closely monitoring the progress of both Akasa and Air India since their transition back to the Tata brand. Air India, being a strong full-carrier airline, is meeting our expectations. As for Akasa, it shows great promise as a low-cost carrier. We are actively engaged with both airlines to ensure the necessary infrastructure and timely delivery of planes to support their operations.
Baranwal: There was news about the 737 MAX with Spirit AeroSystems. Could you provide some insights? Weir: Yes, there were supply chain challenges related to the 737 MAX, but I want to assure everyone that it was not a safety issue. Safety remains our top priority, and we have been working closely with the FAA and our customers to address these supply-related concerns. We are actively progressing with the delivery process, although there might be some near-term impact on the delivery schedule. Rest assured, we are committed to resolving these issues efficiently.
Baranwal: The domestic air traffic in India has been experiencing significant growth, with a shift from train to air travel. Can you share more about this trend? Weir: Absolutely. We have observed a notable shift from train to air travel, which has doubled air traffic with just a 1.5 per cent shift. The expanding middle class in India is a key contributor to this growth. The country’s annual domestic air traffic is increasing at an impressive rate of eight per cent annually, reflecting the rising demand for air travel and the accessibility it offers to more people.
Baranwal: When you mention that every 777X plane has a bit of India in it, can you elaborate on that?
Salil Gupte: When we say that every Boeing 777X has a bit of India, we are referring to the significant contributions made by Indian teams in manufacturing and engineering. We take immense pride in the work accomplished by our Indian teams, and their expertise and dedication play a crucial role in shaping the Boeing 777X. It’s a testament to the talent and capabilities of the Indian aerospace industry. The first delivery of the Boeing 777X is planned for 2025, and we are excited to showcase the Indian touch in these advanced aircraft.