In a momentous event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Boeing’s latest technological marvel, the Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) campus, located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This cutting-edge facility, constructed with a staggering investment of Rs. 1,600 crores, marks Boeing’s largest investment outside the USA, reinforcing India’s prowess in the global aerospace and defense industry.
The Prime Minister took a walkthrough of the sprawling 43-acre campus, highlighting its significance as a cornerstone for collaboration with India’s dynamic startup ecosystem, private enterprises, and government entities. He underscored the role this facility will play in fostering innovation and developing next-generation products and services for the global aerospace and defense sector.
During the inauguration, the Prime Minister also launched the Boeing Sukanya Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering greater inclusion of girls and women in India’s aviation sector. The program seeks to provide critical skills training in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, creating opportunities for girls and women from diverse backgrounds.
One of the program’s key components is the establishment of STEM Labs at 150 locations, aimed at sparking interest in STEM careers among young girls. Additionally, the Sukanya Program will offer scholarships to women undergoing training in the aviation industry, breaking down barriers and inspiring a new generation of female professionals.
Addressing the gathering, the COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope, praised the Prime Minister’s commitment to the growth of the aviation sector in India. She expressed gratitude for the support received and conveyed Boeing’s eagerness to collaborate in shaping the future of aerospace. Ms Stephanie emphasized that the new campus stands as a testament to Boeing’s engineering legacy and underscores the company’s belief in India’s abundant talent and capabilities.
The Prime Minister, in his speech, acknowledged Bengaluru as a city connecting aspirations to innovations and achievements, linking India’s tech potential to global demands. He highlighted the Boeing campus as a testament to India’s dedication to global tech, research, innovation, design, and demand, reinforcing the ‘Make in India-Make for the World’ resolution.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister lauded the efforts to increase women’s participation in the aerospace sector and reiterated the government’s commitment to women-led development. With pride, he shared that India leads the world in the number of women pilots, boasting 15 percent, three times the global average.
As the Boeing Sukanya Program takes flight, it is expected to not only empower women in aviation but also contribute significantly to India’s standing in the global aerospace industry, showcasing the nation’s commitment to a self-reliant and inclusive future. The event was attended by dignitaries including Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddarammiah, COO of Boeing Company, Ms Stephanie Pope, and President of Boeing India and South Asia, Mr Salil Gupte, among others.
