Boeing not associated with MRO facility in Nagpur: Nitin Gadkari

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said aircraft manufacturing major Boeing, which had invested USD 100 million in Air India’s Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility here, has disassociated itself with the MRO citing financial constraints.

Gadkari, along with Air India CEO HR Jagannath, visited the MRO facility and took stock of the progress work.

He said the facility, being developed in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Multi Modal International Passenger and Cargo Hub in Nagpur (MIHAN), will soon start its operations of maintenance of Air India aircraft. Boeing had entered into a joint venture (JV) with Air India for setting up and operating the MRO but it will now only be an Air India show. Gadkari said the entire MRO will be managed by Air India where wide-bodied aircraft will also be taken for maintenance.

The facility was tested last month and all necessary approval from DGCA and authorities concerned were taken.

He said Air India’s trained engineers and other staff will be positioned in Nagpur for carrying out repairs.