Boeing inaugurates first India distribution centre

Boeing announced the opening of the India distribution centre in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh.

The 36,000-square-foot parts warehouse will support regional aviation customers in maximising fleet utilisation, says an official release. "The new site underscores Boeing's continued commitment to expanding its presence in the country and delivering an efficient, cost-effective, and local solution."

Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India says: “The Boeing India Distribution Centre illustrates Boeing’s commitment to supporting the growth of this market, aligned with the Government's Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision. This centre will support the emergent needs of spare parts for Boeing aircraft in India, reducing lead times, improving availability, and supporting the MRO industry here."

The new India location is one of eight distribution centres around the world that holds and ships spare parts specifically for Boeing’s commercial customers, the release added.

“The India Distribution Centre represents another significant step forward in Boeing's strategy to provide parts and services when and where customers need them,” says William Ampofo, Vice President, Parts & Distribution Services and Supply Chain, Boeing Global Services. “It also represents our commitment to delivering efficient, cost-effective solutions for Boeing’s commercial airplane customers in the region.”

Boeing announced its investment in the distribution centre less than a year ago during Aero India 2023, and the first parts were shipped to customers in December 2023, the release added. "Positioned strategically along India’s Eastern Freight Corridor with proximity to both Delhi and the upcoming Jewar airport, the distribution centre is operated in collaboration with third-party logistics provider DB Schenker."

Kinjal Pande, Chief Executive Officer at DB Schenker, Cluster India and Indian Subcontinent says: “We're excited to collaborate with Boeing on constructing an advanced aviation-focused facility in India. The complexities of warehousing and logistics, combined with Boeing's distinctive needs, provided us with a unique opportunity to build an innovative setup that meets the distinct spares support requirements of India's growing aviation industry. This initiative also underlines DB Schenker's enduring commitment to India, as we expand our local presence and tailor our services to meet the diverse needs of customers across various sectors."

The new distribution centre marks Boeing's most recent development in India, following a series of investments and agreements aimed at bolstering the growth of the civil aviation industry in the country. The initiatives include a partnership with GMR Aero Technic to establish a Boeing Converted Freighter line in Hyderabad and the establishment of a Global Support Centre in Gurgaon. Boeing has also committed a $100 million investment in infrastructure and pilot training programmes to support India's growing demand for pilots in the coming two decades, the release added.