Boeing partners GMR to start freighter conversion line in Hyderabad

U.S. planemaker Boeing has partnered with India's GMR Aero Technic for setting up a facility in the Asian nation that will convert passenger aircraft into freight planes, to tap surging global demand for cargo.

Boeing and GMR will start the freighter conversion line in Hyderabad. Freight operations in India will support domestic and global demand.

GMR Aero Technic is the first Boeing supplier in India that will have the capability to support future conversions of both domestic and foreign aircraft, according to a media release.



Boeing India President Salil Gupte told reporters in New Delhi that time has come for the cargo market.

"Our cooperation with GMR Aero Technic is not only a testimony of the maturation of Indian MROs in the country to support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat but also supports the anticipated growth of the carog sector in the region," he said in the release.

The facility will add to Boeing's $1 billion supply chain sourcing from India and will help support India's ambitions to become a global cargo hub, Reuters cited Chief Strategy Officer Marc Allen. He did not give any details about when the facility will be set up or the size of the investment.

The aviation behemoth has stepped up focus on India. In February it announced plans to invest $24 billion to set up a logistics centre for airplane parts. Air India also placed a record order for about 500 jets, worth more than $100 billion at list prices, with both Boeing and Airbus.

(With PTI inputs)