Boeing says Alaska Air fiasco will not delay deliveries to India; new checks being added to ensure safety

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Boeing has reassured India that there will be no substantial disruptions in aircraft deliveries to the country. A senior executive at Boeing, Darren Hulst, the Vice President for Commercial Marketing, conveyed this message on Friday, seeking to allay concerns surrounding potential delays.

At the "Wings India" air show held in Hyderabad, Darren Hulst underscored Boeing's commitment to prioritize the quality of aircraft over sheer numbers in the Indian market.

This strategic focus aims to ensure that each aircraft delivered meets the highest standards of safety and performance. «Boeing will add more scrutiny to quality side during production of 737 jets,» Hulst added.

Boeing's steadfast assurance regarding the timely delivery of planes to India is crucial, especially given the significance of the aviation industry and the demand for reliable and safe air travel.

India and South Asia will need 2705 new planes by 2042, Hulst said, adding that India's domestic route capacity has risen above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

In India, three airlines — Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Air India Express—operate the 737 MAX aircraft. On Thursday, Budget airline Akasa Air has ordered 150 Boeing 737 MAX jetliners as Indian carriers continue their fleet expansions to tap a booming domestic aviation market.

The order is valued at around $20 billion at current list price though airlines typically receive concessions on bulk orders.