Boeing has signed a strategic collaboration with aviation services provider Air Works for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of its VIP transport aircraft fleet operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The partnership with Air Works is a first under the newly launched Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub initiative.

Air Works managing director and CEO Anand Bhaskar said: “The strategic collaboration with Boeing transforms our existing relationship into a new, enriched avatar.

“We are proud to be the first Indian company to partner Boeing as part of its Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub initiative and we remain excited, committed and privileged to have been chosen to work with them on such prestigious and critical projects that build, as well as test India’s indigenous MRO capabilities.”

BIRDS hub is a Boeing-led ‘in-country network and alliance of supplier’ in India to provide engineering, maintenance, skilling, repair and sustainment services for defence aircraft operated by both the IAF and the Indian Navy.

It also seeks to build skilled manpower in the country by conducting training programmes. This helps sub-tier suppliers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) develop MRO capabilities.

The partnership between the two companies also includes MRO support to the Indian Navy operated Boeing defence platform, Poseidon 8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft.

Boeing Defence India managing director Surendra Ahuja said: “This strategic agreement with Air Works positions us to generate significant value for our defence customers locally by delivering faster turnaround, exceptional operational capability and mission readiness on Boeing aircraft.

“This is an important step in our commitment to the government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of developing India as an MRO hub.”