Unveils Boeing’s Aerospace Marvel in Bengaluru
New Delhi, 19 JAN 2024: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, marking a significant milestone for India’s aviation sector. With a substantial investment of Rs 1,600 crores, this 43-acre facility stands as Boeing’s largest investment outside the USA.During the inauguration, PM Modi launched the Boeing Sukanya Program, aimed at fostering the entry of girls into India’s burgeoning aviation industry. COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope, commended the Prime Minister’s vision and highlighted the campus as a testament to Boeing’s commitment to India’s engineering prowess.Ms Stephanie emphasized the transformative potential of BIETC, envisioning it as a hub for innovation that aligns with the Prime Minister’s ‘Atmanirbharta’ initiative. The Boeing Sukanya Program, she noted, will break barriers and inspire more women to pursue careers in aerospace, with plans to provide STEM labs in middle schools.PM Modi, addressing the gathering, underscored Bengaluru’s role in linking aspirations to innovations and achievements. He emphasized the global impact of Boeing’s new technology campus, strengthening India’s position in global tech, research, and innovation.The Prime Minister hailed the success of India’s women pilots, constituting 15 percent of the total, three times more than the global average. He expressed confidence in the Boeing-India partnership shaping the future of aviation, envisioning India designing aircraft of the future.Highlighting the government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation, PM Modi lauded the Boeing Sukanya Program for providing opportunities to girls in far-flung areas to pursue careers as pilots. He credited schemes like UDAN for the rapid growth of India’s domestic aviation market, leading to increased demand and new fleet orders.PM Modi emphasized the government’s focus on infrastructure development, with India now boasting 150 operational airports, up from 70 in 2014. He noted enhanced airport efficiency and increased air cargo capacity contributing to overall economic growth and employment generation.The Prime Minister outlined policy measures to support the aviation sector, encouraging state governments to reduce aviation fuel taxes and simplifying aircraft leasing. He expressed confidence in India’s trajectory, urging international companies like Boeing to align their growth with India’s rise.In conclusion, PM Modi stressed the need for an aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in India, citing the potential of MSMEs, a vast talent pool, and a stable government. He expressed confidence in a strong partnership between India’s aspirations and Boeing’s expansion.The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddarammiah, COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope, and President of Boeing India and South Asia, Mr Salil Gupte, among others.
