A-I, Boeing to team up for training -Video

AVIATION INDUSTRY SPREADS ITS WINGS

In its bid to create Mumbai as largest simulator base for pilot training, state-run carrier Air-India is considering setting up a joint venture company for pilot training with US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing Company.

Boeing, as part of the $7.2- billion deal for 68 planes with Air-India, will induct three simulators for pilot training at Air-India premises near Santacruz airport in Mumbai.

Air-India Chairman and Managing Director Vasudevan Thulasidas said the airline was exploring options of forming a joint venture for simulator-based training in Mumbai.

"We are finalising the modalities of a possible joint venture for simulator training with Boeing. We could place more simulators according to the requirement," Thulasidas said.

Today, Air-India and Boeing have launched first simulator, Boeing 737 NG, for training pilots flying Boeing 737 aircraft.

"This simulator is as a part of $75 million dollar commitment by Boeing in India for training as a part of selling 68 airplanes to Air-India. The listed price of a simulator is $14 million," said Dinesh Keskar, Senior Vice President - Commercial Airplanes, Boeing.

Of 68 airplanes, Air-India has ordered 18 Boeing 737-800W aircraft for its international low cost subsidiary Air-India Express. Boeing will also induct simulators for B777 and B787 shortly.

So what's the impact of simulators?

Thulasidas said, "The simulator will cut down the cost of pilots going to Dubai or London for training. Hotel accommodation, daily allowances, time, flying up and down for simulator training abroad will be a history with having a simulator in Mumbai."

Thulasidas said that Air-India pilots would getting training at a contract rate and Boeing simulator will train other airlines' pilot as well.

Meanwhile, Air-India is also joining Boeing's $100 million maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) project coming up at Nagpur.

"Besides Air-India, there could be one international MRO operator participating in the Nagpur project. We are talking to various players and will soon conclude an agreement with one of them," Keskar said.