At the “Wings India” air show held in Hyderabad, Darren Hulst underscored Boeing’s commitment to prioritize the quality of aircraft over sheer numbers in the Indian market. This strategic focus aims to ensure that each aircraft delivered meets the highest standards of safety and performance. “Boeing will add more scrutiny to quality side during production of 737 jets,” Hulst added.
Boeing’s steadfast assurance regarding the timely delivery of planes to India is crucial, especially given the significance of the aviation industry and the demand for reliable and safe air travel.
India and South Asia will need 2705 new planes by 2042, Hulst said, adding that India’s domestic route capacity has risen above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
In India, three airlines – Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Air India Express—operate the 737 MAX aircraft. On Thursday, Budget airline Akasa Air has ordered 150 Boeing 737 MAX jetliners as Indian carriers continue their fleet expansions to tap a booming domestic aviation market.
The order is valued at around $20 billion at current list price though airlines typically receive concessions on bulk orders. The order consists of a mix of 737 MAX-8 and 737 MAX-10 variants, which can seat up to 230 passengers.The company is also keenly looking at dedicated freight market being a good investment opportunity in India, Hulst said, adding, “India’s cargo fleet will grow to 80 airplanes over next 20 years.”Air safety regulators in the United States on Thursday concluded inspections on 40 grounded 737 MAX 9 planes. The inspections were conducted as part of the regulatory protocol initiated in response to a recent near-catastrophic incident involving an Alaska Airlines plane, where the cabin panel broke off mid-flight. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) undertook these inspections to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
While the inspections have been completed, authorities have not provided a specific timeline for when the 737 MAX 9 planes will be allowed to return to service. The FAA emphasized that a thorough review of the data collected during the inspections is underway. This meticulous assessment is a critical step in determining the necessary measures and ensuring the resolution of any identified issues before clearing the aircraft for operational use.
with inputs from Reuters
