Boeing and AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) have agreed to work together to enhance aircraft maintenance training in India.

Boeing will provide training materials, aids, and instructor support to help ensure standardization of AIESL training programmes. AIESL will provide infrastructure and instructors, while securing Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR)147 approval from the Indian regulatory authority to conduct maintenance training for customers.

"The collaboration with AIESL strengthens and supports the development of Boeing's customer-focused capability in the region," said Chris Broom, Vice President, Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. "Through working together, we anticipate Boeing and AIESL will be well positioned to provide high-quality maintenance training while contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of aviation in India."

"By partnering with AIESL, we are investing in the future of aircraft maintenance capability in India. This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to nurturing local talent to support the growth of the indigenous MRO industry," said Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India and South Asia.

Expanding in-country expertise of maintenance employees is critical to meeting strong industry demand for trained maintenance technicians in India. The country will require almost 33,000 pilots and 34,000 maintenance technicians through 2042, according to Boeing's 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook. This collaboration will expand local capacity to deliver comprehensive training programmes required for compliance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) CAR-66 regulations.

"The tie up with Boeing on maintenance training in the fastest growing aviation market will go a long way in supporting industry requirements. AIESL would be able to support training requirements for at least 100 engineers each year going forward," added Sharad Agarwal, CEO, AIESL.

"Collaboration between OEM expertise such as Boeing's and local capability such as that of AIESL, is integral to our vision for a sustainable and competitive aviation and MRO industry. By working together in aircraft maintenance, we strengthen our position on the global stage," said Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

"Partnership between an aircraft manufacturer and a maintenance training organisation augurs well for budding engineers who would undergo trainings as per best training aids, standards and practices, in conformity with the prescribed regulatory framework, raising safety standards in maintenance in the long run," said Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The Boeing – AIESL collaboration will be the latest initiative under the Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub programme. The BIRDS hub is a local network of suppliers working to build a robust MRO ecosystem for defence and commercial aircraft. This network aims to establish industry benchmarks in India for maintenance and repair, platform availability, customer satisfaction, and rapid turnaround time. The hub focuses on training programmes aimed at increasing skilled manpower by developing sub-tier suppliers, and Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) to build high-quality MRO capabilities in India.