January 29, 2006	Sunday	Zilhaj 28, 1426

NEW DELHI, Jan 28: US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Friday announced plans to invest $185m for maintenance, repair, overhaul facilities, pilot training and engineering support services in India.

This comes close on the heels of Boeing bagging orders worth around $11bn for 68 aircraft from Air India. Apart from the Air India deal, Boeing has bagged orders for 98 aircraft worth $15bn in 2005 from other airlines.

Of the total $185m to be invested, $100m would be spent on MRO facility, around $75m for pilot training while the remaining $10m for imparting advance training of pilots, especially for flying in adverse weather conditions, including fog, said Boeing’s senior vice president (sales), Dinesh Keskar.

Mr Keskar said several state governments have pitched for setting up of the regional facilities. As for the company’s future plans, Mr Keskar said Boeing was already in talks with some Indian carriers, including SpiceJet, Air India and Jet Airways for it’s high-passenger capacity Boeing 747-8 aircraft to be launched in 2010.

Referring to the Air India deal, Mr Keskar said the deliveries of the aircraft would begin in November this year. Air India has placed orders for eight 777-200 LRs, 15 777-300 ERs and 27 787-8 aircraft, while its subsidiary AI Express has ordered 18 new generation 737-800s. — By arrangement with The Times of India