Boeing, Air Works Announce Strategic Collaboration For Maintenance Support Of Key Defence Platforms

* Collaboration in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of P-8I, IAF VIP transport fleet

* First strategic collaboration under the newly launched Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) Hub

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced strategic agreements with Air Works for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of two key Boeing defence platforms in India, the P-8I operated by the Indian Navy (IN) and the VIP transport fleet operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Boeing India’s strategic collaboration with Air Works is an important first step under its recently launched initiative, the Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub, which is an in-country network and alliance of suppliers led by Boeing in India that envisions a competitive MRO ecosystem for engineering, maintenance, skilling, repair and sustainment services of defence and commercial aircraft. The hub aims to grow capabilities in India in the areas of heavy maintenance, component repairs, training and skilling of IAF and IN maintainers.

“This strategic agreement with Air Works positions us to generate significant value for our defence customers locally by delivering faster turnaround, exceptional operational capability and mission readiness on Boeing aircraft. This is an important step in our commitment to the government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of developing India as an MRO hub,” said Surendra Ahuja, managing director, Boeing Defence India.

An important aspect of the hub is training programs to increase skilled manpower by developing sub-tier suppliers and medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) to build high quality MRO capabilities in India.

“The strategic collaboration with Boeing transforms our existing relationship into a new, enriched avatar. In this new decade, the growing international recognition and enhanced dimensions of our collaboration are testament to our demonstrated expertise in the defence and aerospace domain. We are proud to be the first Indian company to partner Boeing as part of its Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub initiative and we remain excited, committed and privileged to have been chosen to work with them on such prestigious and critical projects that build as well as test India’s indigenous MRO capabilities,” said D Anand Bhaskar, MD & CEO, Air Works.

About Air Works Group

Established in 1951, Air Works Group is India’s biggest and highly diversified independent MRO with the largest pan-India network presence across 27 cities. It is the preferred MRO partner to global aviation OEMs, aircraft owners/ operators (including Fixed Wing & Rotary Wing), lessors, airlines and the Indian Defence Services, offering a host of services including MRO and heavy checks, Line maintenance, Cabin and Interior refurbishment, Exterior finishing and painting, Avionics upgrades, integrations and retrofits, End-of-lease/ redelivery checks, Maintenance training (CAR 147), and Asset Management services to domestic and international clients. Specialized set of services for Avionics, Component repairs and Asset Management services are offered via the Group’s partner companies – SA Air Works and Acumen Aviation.

Air Works undertakes base maintenance for ATR 42/72, A320 and B737 fleet of aircraft from its EASA and DGCA-certified facilities at Mumbai, Delhi, Hosur and Kochi, supported by duly certified in-house shops for related tasks. The Company also undertakes modification and assembly of rotary-wing aircraft and is an Authorized Service Centre (ASC) for Bell and Leonardo helicopters.

Air Works enjoy an impeccable reputation in the industry for proven capabilities, outstanding workmanship, quality, and an exceptional safety orientation. The Company takes immense pride in its 70 Year aviation legacy and a culture that accords paramount importance to customers, which has allowed it to successfully deliver several India-first and industry-first projects. For more details, visit: https://www.airworks.aero

About Boeing India

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Boeing’s advanced aircraft and services focus plays an important role in mission-readiness for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Boeing is focused on delivering value to Indian customers with advanced technologies and remains committed to creating sustainable value in the Indian aerospace sector – developing local suppliers, and shaping academic and research collaborations with Indian institutions. Boeing has strengthened its supply chain with 250 local companies in India and a joint venture to manufacture fuselages for Apache helicopters. Annual sourcing from India stands at $1 billion. Boeing currently employs 3,000 people in India, and more than 7,000 people work with its supply chain partners. Boeing serves communities and citizenship programs to inspire change and make an impact on more than 300,000 lives in India. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.in.