Boeing India is keen on increasing its footprint in India and is looking at various partnerships and collaborations with Indian companies and institutions. In an exclusive interview with Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India, Purba Das finds out the US aircraft manufacturer's strategy for the Indian market.
Q. Could you tell us how big the market in India is for Boeing? What is the market share enjoyed by the US aircraft manufacturer in the country?
A. The Indian market is extremely important for Boeing in terms of both civil aviation and defence sectors. Boeing has steadily accrued its presence in India over the last 70 years in these sectors. We have just delivered the Indian Air force its first C-17 for flight testing. Today, Boeing's partnership with India has expanded to meet the country's aerospace and defence requirements and is creating sustainable value in the Indian aerospace sector.
Q. What is the company's strategy in India?
A. We are looking forward to bringing out the best in our Indian partners. Besides that, Boeing has developed important relationships with local suppliers in the country and is actively pursuing technical and business partnerships with other Indian companies and institutions. These are aimed at increasing our footprint in the Indian market and help augment the aerospace industry in the country.
Q. What are your recommendations to the government for the upcoming budget?
A. The high prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), high airport taxes, and other such factors need to be looked at. The government should also think about providing infrastructure status to the civil aviation industry in the country, as connectivity is extremely important for the growth of the nation.
Q. What do you foresee for the Indian airline industry in 2013-14?
A. There are short term fluctuations in the industry in terms of high input costs for the airlines. But in the long run, the sector is bound for a robust growth. We expect new airlines to come up, keeping in mind the growing middle class which will create the need for new players in the year. Boeing has projected India's commercial aviation fleet to grow more than 4.5 times over the next 20 years. The Boeing 2012 Current Market Outlook India has forecasted that the airline market in India will need 1,450 new airplanes worth $175 billion in next year 20 years.
Q. Tell us more about your association with Aero India.
A. We are excited about participating in Aero India because it is an opportunity to meet with customers and partners during the show, as well as showcase what Boeing can do for the country. At the show, we will be discussing C-17 Globemasters III, P-8I anti-submarines and anti-surface warfare aircraft, CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopter, and others.
Q. Could you tell us something about your Boeing Business Jets (BBJs) business in India?
A. Well, we are in the process of interacting with a few entrepreneurs for BBJs in India and hopefully things will work out soon.
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