Boeing has indicated that it needs more aircraft orders from India before considering setting up a commercial jet assembly line in the country, tempering government expectations.
Boeing India and South Asia President Salil Gupte stated that the Indian market alone is not large enough to justify a final assembly facility. Speaking at the Aero India show in Bengaluru, he emphasized that a viable business case requires a much larger regional demand.
While Boeing has committed to India’s aerospace sector, it currently focuses on defense aircraft assembly, such as F/A-18 jets. The company sources $1.25 billion in products and services annually from India and employs about 7,000 people.
Despite Indian airlines having nearly 1,800 aircraft on order, Gupte noted that final assembly represents less than 10% of an aircraft’s value, highlighting the importance of a robust aerospace supply chain. Boeing is in discussions with the Indian government on incentives to lower costs and expand manufacturing capabilities.
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