India's big role in Boeing 787 Dreamliner take-off

The successful launch of its 787 Dreamliner has Boeing ecstatic. The launch is also a big pat on the back for Indian companies HCL and the Tata Group, who are Boeing's partners in the 787 programme—supplying components and technical support.

India will take delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner in the second quarter of 2011. This will go to Air India, which has ordered 27 of the planes. Boeing, however, is not willing to provide a delivery timeline to Jet Airways , which has ordered 10 of the jets. 840 aircraft have been ordered by 55 customers around the world, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.

Dinesh Keskar, President, Boeing India, said, “The technologically-advanced 787 will use 20% less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to 45% more cargo revenue capacity and present passengers with innovations that include a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows etc.”

Boeing is also betting on the Dreamliner to help it fly out of the turbulent times that gripped the aviation sector in FY09.

“We hope to turn profitable by March 2010. We have many orders from Air India, Jet Airways and more,” Keskar said.

To this end, Boeing is investing USD 630 million in India. A portion of this will go towards Boeing getting more than a 30% share of the Indian defence market over the next 10 years. Boeing has also signed contracts with companies like HAL, BEL and Electronic Corporation of India for the production of indigenous equipment for anti-submarine aircraft.