Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and launched the Boeing Sukanya Program.

About Boeing’s India Engineering and Technology Center (BIETC)

• BIETC aims to be a cornerstone for collaboration within India's startup, private, and government ecosystem.

• This state-of-the-art facility, representing Boeing's largest investment outside the USA, seeks to develop next-generation products and services for the global aerospace and defense industry.

BIETC's Workforce

Engineer Engagement and Technologies

• BIETC's diverse engineering workforce, exceeding 3,000, engages in research and development.

• Utilizes cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Industrial Internet of Things, Cloud, Model-Based Engineering, and Additive Manufacturing.

Partnership with Indian Armed Forces

• Boeing will collaborate with the Indian armed forces to boost aircraft demand in the defense sector, aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Opportunities for Engineers and Technicians

Employment opportunities

• Boeing announces 107 job openings in various Indian cities, with 97 positions in Bengaluru.

• Hiring across domains, including software engineers, billing analysts, structural analysis engineers, product review engineers, associate systems engineers, programme analysts, and digital electronics architects.

Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) Program

• Boeing's BUILD program invites university students and early-stage startups in India to incubate innovative ideas and create new market opportunities across industry verticals.

• Partnerships with seven incubators to organize BUILD in India, fostering entrepreneurial ideas and market opportunities.

Boeing's Impact on the Indian Aerospace Market

Supply Chain and Local Partnerships

• Boeing has strengthened its supply chain with over 300 local companies in India.

• Joint ventures for manufacturing fuselages for Apache helicopters and vertical fin structures for the 737 family of aircraft.

Economic Contribution

• Annual sourcing from India stands at approximately $1 billion.

• Boeing employs over 6,000 people in India, with an additional 13,000 working with supply chain partners.

About Boeing Sukanya Program

• It a significant initiative to empower girls and women across India by fostering their entry into the aviation sector.

• The program, initiated by Boeing, is designed to provide learning opportunities and support for female aspirants, particularly those from rural areas, in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

• It aims to equip girls and women with critical skills in STEM fields, fostering their readiness for careers in aviation.

• It focuses on creating avenues for girls and women across India to engage in STEM-related education and training for careers in aviation.

• The program's key components include the establishment of STEM Labs at 150 locations, scholarships for women pursuing pilot training, and investments in flight training curriculum, certifications, simulator training, and career development programs.

Scholarships for Women Pilots

• Recognizing the financial challenges women may face in pursuing pilot training, Boeing Sukanya will provide scholarships to support women undergoing training to become pilots.

• This financial assistance aims to remove barriers and encourage more women to enter the aviation industry.

Career Coaching in Government Schools

• The program will enable many government schools to provide career coaching for students aspiring to become pilots.

• Beyond aviation, developmental amenities will be extended to participating schools, enhancing educational opportunities.

Aviation sector in India

• India's aviation sector has become the world's third-largest domestic market.

• Initiatives like UDAN have played a significant role in doubling domestic passengers in a decade.

• Women participation: India leads globally with 15% of women pilots, three times the global average.