New Delhi, India

American Aerospace firm Boeing announced the inauguration of its maiden Distribution Centre in India, which is aimed at supporting its commercial aviation customers. Spread across 36,000 square-feet, in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh, this warehouse is meant to support the spare parts requirements of the firm's Indian customers, thereby supporting the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of passenger planes. This new site underscores our continued commitment to expanding our presence in the country and delivering an efficient, cost-effective, and local solution, the firm said. 

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The Next-Generation Boeing 737, 737 MAX, 747, 757, 777 and 787 Dreamliner are some of the American firm's aircraft operating as part of Indian passenger carrier fleets. In addition to this, the Indian Ministry of Defence operates four 737-200s and three 737 Boeing Business Jets. Two specially modified Air India 777-300ER are used as Head of State aircraft.

“The Boeing India Distribution Centre illustrates Boeing’s commitment to supporting the growth of this market, aligned with the Government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) vision. This centre will support the emergent needs of spare parts for Boeing aircraft in India, reducing lead times, improving availability, and supporting the MRO industry here,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India.

Thus far, Boeing has been operating seven such distribution centres globally and the Indian facility is the eighth in this list. “The India Distribution Centre represents another significant step forward in Boeing's strategy to provide parts and services when and where customers need them,” said William Ampofo, vice president, Parts & Distribution Services and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services. 

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According to Boeing, the announcement for this investment in the distribution centre was made in February 2023, during the Aero India event, organised by the Indian Government. The firm added that the first parts from this centre were shipped to customers in December 2023. 

Positioned strategically along India’s Eastern Freight Corridor, with proximity to both Delhi and the upcoming Jewar airport, the distribution centre reaffirms Boeing’s commitment to supporting growth and self-reliance objectives in India. The warehouse, which prioritises innovation, safety, and sustainability, is operated in collaboration with third-party logistics provider DB Schenker, Boeing said. 

The new distribution centre marks Boeing's most recent development in India, following a series of substantial investments and agreements aimed at bolstering the growth of the civil aviation industry in the country. These initiatives encompass a partnership with GMR Aero Technic to establish a Boeing Converted Freighter line in Hyderabad and the establishment of a Global Support Centre in Gurgaon. Additionally, Boeing has committed a $100 million investment in infrastructure and pilot training programmes to support India's growing demand for pilots in the coming two decades, the firm said.