Boeing has been a strong partner of India’s aerospace sector for almost eight decades, both as the mainstay of India’s commercial aviation sector as well as an important partner in the mission readiness and modernization of India’s defense forces.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
India operates a range of Boeing platforms, including 11 C-17s, 22 AH-64 Apaches (with six more on order), 15 CH-47 Chinooks, 12 P-8Is, 3 VVIP aircraft (737 airframe) and two Head of State aircraft (777 airframe), making India one of the largest defence markets for Boeing.
Several firsts mark the Boeing-India relationship, including India being the first international customer for P-8 aircraft, the largest international operator of C-17s outside the U.S., and the first U.S. weapon integrated on an Indian fighter with the Harpoon.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Boeing customers include Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Vistara, and cargo operator Blue Dart, and Quikjet. The Next-Generation 737, 737 MAX, 757, 777 and 787 Dreamliner are some of the Boeing aircraft offering a superior flying experience to Indian passengers.
Air India has purchased 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner and 10 777X airplanes, with options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 787-9. Akasa Air has placed an order of 226 737 MAX airplanes to build its fleet. SpiceJet has an order of several airplanes, which includes 155 new 737 MAX 8, 9 and 10 airplanes, as well as purchase rights for 50 additional airplanes. Blue Dart, India’s largest express cargo operator, uses the 757 Freighter. SpiceXpress, SpiceJet’s cargo division, operates the 737-BCFs, first one to operate in South Asia.