Boeing seeks foreign partner for Indian MRO facility

The Seattle-based aerospace major, Boeing Co, is looking for a foreign partner for its proposed maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nagpur. The $185-million facility is being set up with Air-India, which had ordered 68 Boeing aircraft in 2005.

Since only Air India and Indian (Airlines) have elaborate aircraft maintenance facilities in the county Boeing is looking at involving a foreign partner. The company is expected to finalise on its choice by July 2006, prior to its groundbreaking ceremony.

Boeing says India would need 856 new jet aircraft worth more than $72 billion over the next 20 years.

Domestic carrier Indian, which has ordered 42 Airbus aircraft, is setting up an MRO facility with Airbus.