Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, investing Rs 1,600 crores in this 43-acre facility, Boeing’s largest outside the USA. The Prime Minister introduced the Boeing Sukanya Program, promoting the entry of more girls into India’s aviation sector. The BIETC campus will serve as a key partnership hub, fostering collaboration with India’s startup, private, and government ecosystem to innovate next-gen aerospace and defense products.
In Bengaluru, the Prime Minister inaugurated the advanced Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus, representing Rs 1,600 crores investment, marking Boeing’s largest outside the USA. Positioned as a pivotal collaboration hub, the new campus is set to foster partnerships with India’s dynamic startup, private, and government ecosystem, contributing to the advancement of cutting-edge products and services for the global aerospace and defense industry.
Additionally, the Prime Minister launched the Boeing Sukanya Program, designed to facilitate the inclusion of more girls across India into the expanding aviation sector. This program aims to offer learning opportunities for girls and women, focusing on critical skills in the science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) fields, preparing them for roles within the aviation industry.
The initiative will establish STEM Labs at 150 designated locations, aiming to cultivate interest in STEM careers among young girls. Furthermore, the program is set to provide scholarships for women undergoing pilot training, emphasizing Boeing’s commitment to fostering gender inclusivity and skill development in the aviation domain.
Stephanie Pope, COO of Boeing Company, lauded the Prime Minister’s focus on aviation growth and credited him for the Sukanya program. The campus signifies India’s commitment to global tech, research, innovation, design, and demand, aligning with the ‘Make in India-Make for the World’ initiative. Stephanie detailed the campus’s scope, illustrating Boeing’s plan to create an ecosystem propelling India to the forefront of the aerospace industry.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized Bengaluru’s role in linking aspirations, innovations, and global tech potential. He highlighted the BIETC campus’s significance, being Boeing’s largest facility outside the USA, strengthening both India and the global aviation market. The facility showcases India’s dedication to driving global tech, research, innovation, design, and demand, reinforcing the ‘Make in India-Make for the World’ resolution. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in India designing future aircraft, solidifying India’s position as a global talent hub.
Recalling the inauguration of Asia’s largest helicopter manufacturing factory in Karnataka, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Boeing’s facility as a contributor to Karnataka’s rise as a new aviation hub. He praised the youth of India for gaining multiple opportunities to acquire new skills in the aviation industry. The Prime Minister noted that the success of Chandrayaan has ignited scientific temper among Indian youth, with a significant rise in girls pursuing STEM subjects.
India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market, with schemes like UDAN playing a crucial role. Increased domestic passengers have doubled in a decade, leading to new fleet orders by Indian airlines, propelling the global aviation sector. India’s focus on connectivity infrastructure investment has overcome previous connectivity challenges, making it one of the most well-connected markets.
Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the government’s continuous policy-level steps to ensure the growth of the aviation sector. Efforts include encouraging state governments to reduce aviation fuel taxes, making aircraft leasing easier, and establishing the International Financial Services Centers Authority in Gift City to reduce offshore dependence on aircraft leasing and financing. The Prime Minister foresees benefits for the entire country’s aviation sector from these initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi stressed the need to build an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in India, leveraging its strong network of MSMEs, a huge talent pool, and a stable government. India’s policy approach to encourage ‘Make in India’ is a win-win for every investor. He expressed confidence that India won’t have to wait long for Boeing’s first fully designed and manufactured aircraft in India. Prime Minister Modi concluded by expressing confidence in India’s aspirations and Boeing’s expansion forming a robust partnership.
Governor of Karnataka, Thawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddarammiah, COO of Boeing Company, Stephanie Pope, and President of Boeing India and South Asia, Salil Gupte, were present at the inauguration, among others. The event marked a significant milestone in India’s aerospace and defense capabilities, showcasing the nation’s commitment to technological advancements and global collaboration.