Wipro in talks with Boeing for MRO contract

IT major Wipro Technologies is in advanced stages of negotiations with aviation company Boeing to provide technological support for its upcoming facility in Maharashtra. If it bags the project, Wipro would receive around 20-25 per cent of the total $100 million (Rs 400 crore) investment planned by the US firm.

This will be the second contract to be awarded to an Indian IT company by Boeing. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) bagged the first contract.

According to sources, Wipro is looking at offering software, technology and installation support and services for Boeing's maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nagpur. Boeing, the New York Stock Exchange-listed company, will invest $100 million in the MRO.

Wipro will look at a joint venture deal or an alliance with Boeing for the project.

Boeing plans to set up another MRO facility in Delhi.

The Indian IT company is also look at providing software tools to enable checks on various passenger aircraft of Boeing. Around 20-25 per cent of the total investments in an MRO would be for IT services, and in this case Wipro might receive around $20-25 million. When contacted a Wipro spokesperson declined to comment.

Tata group software company TCS had earlier bagged an interior design contract from Boeing, while it also bagged a contract to set up an airline innovation laboratory in Chennai from the US airframe manufacturer.

TCS is working closely with Boeing's customers to design the interiors of new aircraft and the laboratory will enable customers to test software used on the planes. The Tata company use computer-aided design and manufacturing to visually create the interiors of an aircraft for a prospective customer.