Arlington, Virginia: Boeing has provided reassurances to India following a recent incident involving a cabin panel on its 737 MAX 9 jet, affirming that there will be no significant disruptions in aircraft deliveries. Darren Hulst, Boeing’s Vice President for Commercial Marketing, emphasized this commitment during the “Wings India” air show in Hyderabad, aiming to alleviate concerns about potential delays.
Highlighting Boeing’s dedication to prioritizing quality over quantity in the Indian market, Hulst stated that additional scrutiny would be applied to the production of 737 jets to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance.
Boeing’s assurance is pivotal, considering the importance of the aviation industry and the demand for reliable and safe air travel in India. Hulst projected that India and South Asia will require 2705 new planes by 2042, with domestic route capacity surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Air India Express operate the 737 MAX aircraft in India. Akasa Air, in particular, recently ordered 150 Boeing 737 MAX jetliners, valued at around $20 billion. The order includes a mix of 737 MAX-8 and 737 MAX-10 variants, supporting Indian carriers’ fleet expansions in a thriving domestic aviation market.
Boeing is also eyeing India’s dedicated freight market as a promising investment opportunity. Hulst anticipates India’s cargo fleet to grow to 80 airplanes over the next 20 years.
While air safety regulators in the United States concluded inspections on 40 grounded 737 MAX 9 planes, no specific timeline for their return to service has been provided. The inspections were prompted by a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines plane, where a cabin panel broke off mid-flight. The FAA is conducting a thorough review of the inspection data to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft before allowing them to resume operations.
