Aerospace major Boeing will continue to invest in local manufacturing, co-production, co-development, skill building and innovation to strengthen India’s aerospace, defence, and commercial aviation ecosystem.
Speaking exclusively to businessline, Boeing India and South Asia President Salil Gupte cited that India remains central to the aerospace major’s long-term growth plans.
At present, Boeing is the largest foreign OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) sourcing from India through a network of over 300 suppliers, including more than 25 per cent MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), he said.
“Supporting the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative is central to our long-term strategy. Partnerships are crucial for supporting India’s aviation growth while improving operational efficiency and ensuring safety,” Gupte said.
According to Gupte, Boeing’s work in India — from both a manufacturing and engineering standpoint — is fully aligned with the industrialisation goals for India set out in the joint statement of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in February 2025.
“In keeping with that strategy, our approach to growing the India industrial base is capability-driven rather than based on any numerical targets,” he said.
Major defence partner
“Boeing currently exports over $1.25 billion worth of goods and services from India annually, making us the largest foreign OEM exporter from the country, which fits well with American goals to support India’s development as a major defence partner in the Indo-Pacific region. However, Boeing’s manufacturing presence in the US remains a cornerstone of our global operations.”
Pointing out the enormous growth in India’s civil aviation segment, Gupte said that the country, is now the world’s third-largest civil aviation market, and is a major driver of economic growth, boosting trade, tourism, and connectivity.
“In 2014, India operated 74 airports; today, that number has more than doubled to over 150, creating a network that enhances connectivity and accessibility. The government’s vision for 2047, the centenary of India’s independence, includes expanding this network to 350 to 400 airports, which will further boost connectivity and offer more people the opportunity to use air travel,” he said.
“Rising incomes, a growing middle class, and the rise of low-cost carriers are fueling demand, supported by government efforts around regional connectivity and airport upgrades.”
As per Boeing’s annual Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), India’s fleet is set to nearly quadruple in size by 2043 compared to 2019.
“India is expected to account for over 90 per cent of South Asia’s airplane deliveries, with the region projected to require more than 2,800 new aircraft,” Gupte said.
“Boeing’s ‘Pilot and Technician Outlook’ projects a requirement for 129,000 new aviation professionals in South Asia over the next 20 years, marking the fastest growth rate globally. With strong economic momentum, increasing travel demand, and a focus on technologies, India’s aviation sector is poised for rapid and sustainable growth.”
Presently, Boeing has a full order book from commercial and defence clients, including Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Blue Dart and Quikjet in the commercial aviation sector.
On the defence side, India operates Boeing platforms such as the C-17 Globemaster, AH-64 Apache helicopters, CH-47 Chinooks, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, VVIP aircraft (based on the 737 airframe), and Head of State aircraft (based on the 777 airframe), making India one of Boeing’s largest defence markets.