In a momentous event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated India's significant strides in aviation and aerospace on Friday, emphasizing the burgeoning influence of women in the sector. During the inauguration of Boeing's expansive global engineering and technology centre campus, PM Modi underscored that India is poised to invigorate the global aviation market.
In his address, Modi lauded the prominent role of women in both fighter and civil aircraft domains, highlighting that they constitute an impressive 15% of total pilots in India—a striking three times the global average. He declared that the era for women-led development has arrived, signaling a paradigm shift in the traditionally male-dominated industry.
India, according to the Prime Minister, has now solidified its position as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market. Looking ahead, he projected a doubling of the number of passengers within the next decade, a testament to the sector's dynamic growth. Modi credited the success of the 'UDAN' scheme for playing a pivotal role in bolstering the domestic aviation market, as evidenced by the substantial demand prompting airlines in India to order hundreds of new aircraft.
"We gave priority to connectivity infrastructure, making India a well-connected market," Modi affirmed, emphasizing the strategic importance of robust connectivity in sustaining the country's aviation growth. He also took a subtle dig at the Congress, suggesting that India, in the past, struggled to transform its potential into performance.
The inauguration wasn't just about celebrating milestones; it also marked the launch of the Boeing Sukanya Programme by PM Modi. Aimed at supporting the entry of more girls into India's burgeoning aviation sector, the initiative focuses on fostering STEM skills. The Boeing Sukanya Programme includes the creation of STEM Labs at 150 locations to inspire young girls towards STEM-related careers. Additionally, scholarships for aspiring women pilots, support for flight training, certifications, simulator training, and career development programs are part of this comprehensive effort.
The newly unveiled Boeing India Engineering and Technology Centre (BIETC) campus, sprawling across 43 acres and built at a cost of Rs 1,600 crore, stands as Boeing's largest investment outside the US. Located in the Hightech Defence and Aerospace Park in Devanahalli, the campus is poised to be a key player in collaborations with startups, private entities, and government ecosystems in India. Its primary objective is to contribute to the development of next-generation products and services for the global aerospace and defense industry.
David L Calhoun, Boeing's President and CEO, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support PM Modi's transformative vision for India. Boeing India has significantly expanded its team, boasting the largest number of employees in engineering and R&D talent outside the United States, exceeding 6,000 as of December 2023.
The momentous occasion saw the presence of dignitaries including Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, and Boeing Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Pope, solidifying the collaborative efforts shaping India's aviation future.
