Aircraft manufacturer, Boeing and AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) have forged a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing aircraft training activities within India. This strategic alliance entails Boeing providing extensive support, including training materials, aids, and instructor guidance, to bolster AIESL’s training programs. Concurrently, AIESL will leverage its infrastructure and personnel expertise while obtaining regulatory approval from India’s Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR)147 authority to administer maintenance training for its clientele. This joint effort aligns with Boeing’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook, which projects a significant demand for approximately 33,000 pilots and 34,000 maintenance technicians in India by 2042.
Sharad Agarwal, CEO of AIESL, expressed optimism regarding the collaboration’s potential to address industry needs effectively. He underscored AIESL’s commitment to supporting the training requirements of approximately 100 engineers annually, thereby bolstering the aviation sector’s talent pool. Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam emphasized the importance of merging OEM expertise, exemplified by Boeing, with local capabilities such as those possessed by AIESL. This symbiotic relationship is deemed essential for realizing the vision of a sustainable and competitive aviation and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry, as articulated by aviation authorities.
The partnership between Boeing and AIESL holds promising prospects for aspiring engineers, remarked Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He highlighted the positive impact of this collaboration in nurturing talent and fostering growth within the aviation sector. This collaborative endeavor represents the latest endeavor under the Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub program. The BIRDS initiative focuses on expanding training programs to cultivate a skilled workforce, particularly within sub-tier suppliers and Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), thereby enhancing India’s MRO capabilities.
Boeing aims to enhance the standardisation
Through this partnership, Boeing aims to enhance the standardisation and quality of aircraft training activities conducted by AIESL. By leveraging Boeing’s expertise and resources, AIESL can elevate its training programs to meet industry standards and cater to the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals. Furthermore, the collaboration seeks to address the impending shortage of pilots and maintenance technicians forecasted in Boeing’s 2023 outlook. By providing comprehensive training support, both Boeing and AIESL aim to bridge the skills gap and ensure a steady supply of qualified personnel to sustain India’s aviation industry’s growth trajectory.
Importance of industry partnerships in fostering innovation
The collaborative efforts between Boeing and AIESL underscore the importance of industry partnerships in fostering innovation and addressing workforce challenges. By combining their respective strengths, these two entities can contribute significantly to India’s aviation ecosystem’s resilience and competitiveness. Moreover, initiatives like the BIRDS program demonstrate Boeing’s commitment to supporting India’s aerospace sector’s long-term development and sustainability. Overall, the collaboration between Boeing and AIESL signifies a significant milestone in advancing India’s aviation training infrastructure and nurturing the next generation of aerospace professionals.