Page 8 - ITLN January - February 2024 Issue for the Website

Cover Story
Indian air cargo

airlines, airports, ground handlers Both aircraft OEMs Boeing and
and aircraft lessors, are bullish about Airbus are increasing their presence
India achieving it with the country’s and capability within the country not
growth as a manufacturing hub. only to address the current demand
For instance, WFS, a member of but also to prepare for the future.
the SATS Group, marked its India Boeing's recent initiatives in India
foray with the launch of operations include a freighter conversion line in
at Kempegowda International Airport Hyderabad, a distribution centre in Uttar
(KIA), Bengaluru in May 2023. WFS Pradesh and MRO localisation. Boeing
Bengaluru is a 74:26 joint venture opened a 36,000-square-foot distribution
between WFS and airport operator centre in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh in
Bangalore International Airport January 2024 to support customers in
(BIAL) and it will operate a cargo maximising fleet utilisation. The centre
terminal facility with a concession Our cooperation with intends to support the needs of spare
period of 15 years. WFS has also parts and thus will reduce lead times,
become the exclusive operator of GMR Aero Technic not improve availability, and support the
BLR’s dedicated cold chain facility. only a testimony of the MRO industry.
While launching it, John Batten, maturation of Indian Giving a big boost to India's future
CEO, Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia MROs in the country need for freighters and freighter
(EMEAA), WFS, had mentioned, "As the to support the vision of conversions, Boeing signed an
global leader in air cargo handling, WFS Aatmanirbhar Bharat, agreement with GMR Aero Technic
looks forward to adding value to the to establish a new Boeing Converted
Indian air cargo industry through the but also supports the Freighter (BCF) line in Hyderabad.
introduction of world class practices, anticipated growth GMR Aero Technic is the first Boeing
ensuring better efficiency and driving of the cargo sector supplier in India that will have the
productivity improvements, which we in the region. capability to support future conversions
believe to be well aligned with the of both domestic and foreign aircraft.
Government of India’s National Air Salil Gupte “Our cooperation with GMR Aero
Boeing India
Cargo Policy and related ambitions.” Technic not only a testimony of
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January - February 2024 www.itln.in