Air India’s Dreamliner Takes Flight: A New Era in Global Travel

Air India has just inducted its first custom-built Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner (VT‑AWA), delivered on January 11, 2026, and set to begin commercial service on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route from February 1, 2026. This marks a major milestone in the Tata Group’s fleet transformation program.

The Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner is special because it combines advanced composite materials, cutting‑edge aerodynamics, and passenger‑focused design to deliver greater fuel efficiency, longer range, and a more comfortable flying experience than previous generation aircraft. It’s widely regarded as one of the most innovative long‑haul jets in commercial aviation.

For an instance, the aircraft has larger windows has about 30% bigger than those on similar aircraft, with electronic dimming instead of manual shades.

Moreover, the Boeing 787-9 has quieter cabin, engine nacelles and aerodynamic design reduce noise both inside and outside the aircraft.

Our bespoke Boeing 787-9 has arrived - designed by and for Air India, bringing together comfort, design, and technology to reimagine long-haul travel.

Stretch out in our Business Class suites with fully flat beds and direct aisle access, enjoy added privacy in Premium Economy… pic.twitter.com/shMWGV4cIA

— Air India (@airindia) January 27, 2026

Key Highlights of Air India’s Dreamliner

• Aircraft Model: Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner
• Registration: VT‑AWA
• Delivery Date: January 11, 2026 (from Boeing’s Everett facility, USA)
• First Route: Mumbai–Frankfurt (starting February 1, 2026)
• Cabin Design: Custom interiors designed exclusively for Air India, featuring modern seating, advanced inflight entertainment, and premium amenities

Cabin & Passenger Experience

• Business Class: Suites with sliding privacy doors (currently locked open pending FAA approval)
• Economy Class: Redesigned seating with improved comfort and entertainment systems
• Overall Design: Tailored to Air India’s brand identity, blending Indian hospitality with modern global standards

Strategic Importance

• Fleet Transformation: First Dreamliner designed specifically for Air India post‑privatization
• Expansion Plans: CEO Campbell Wilson has hinted at ordering at least 20 more Dreamliners
• Operational Restrictions: Some seat features awaiting FAA certification

Quick Comparison: Air India’s Dreamliner vs. Older Fleet

Feature	Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner (New)	Boeing 787‑8 (Existing)
Cabin Interiors	Custom-designed, premium	Standard, retrofitted
Business Class	Suites with privacy doors	Lie-flat seats
Economy Class	Enhanced comfort, new IFE	Older generation seating
Range	~14,140 km	~13,620 km
Fuel Efficiency	Higher	Moderate
First Route	Mumbai–Frankfurt	Multiple international

Risks & Considerations

• Regulatory Delays: FAA approval pending for certain seat features
• Fleet Integration: Transitioning interiors across fleet will take time
• Competition: Must match service quality of Emirates, Qatar Airways, etc.

Air India’s new Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner offers a modernized product with custom interiors, but on long‑haul routes it still trails Emirates and Qatar Airways in terms of luxury, consistency, and global network depth. Emirates relies on its A380s and 777‑300ERs for ultra‑long haul, while Qatar’s 787‑9 Dreamliners feature Qsuite business class, widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

Fleet & Route Strategy

• Air India: Operates 34 Dreamliners (mix of 787‑8 and new 787‑9). Expanding with 20 more 787‑9s. Focused on Europe and North America.
• Emirates: Heavy reliance on Airbus A380 and Boeing 777‑300ER for ultra‑long haul. 787s mainly for medium‑long haul.
• Qatar Airways: Operates 787‑8 and 787‑9 Dreamliners with Qsuite business class. Strong global connectivity via Doha hub.

Cabin Experience Comparison

Feature	Air India 787‑9 (New)	Emirates A380/777	Qatar Airways 787‑9
Business Class	Suites with sliding doors (pending FAA approval)	Private suites on A380, lie‑flat on 777	Qsuite: fully enclosed suites, sliding doors
Economy Class	Redesigned seats, new IFE	Spacious A380 economy, tighter 777	Modern Dreamliner economy, good IFE
IFE & Connectivity	Upgraded system, Wi‑Fi rollout ongoing	ICE system (industry benchmark)	Oryx One system, Wi‑Fi available
Service Consistency	Improving, but mixed reviews	Highly consistent, premium service	Top 3 globally, consistently rated
Range & Efficiency	~14,140 km, fuel‑efficient	A380 less efficient, 777 strong range	Similar Dreamliner efficiency (~14,000 km)

Competitive Positioning

• Air India Strengths: New interiors, strategic expansion, strong India–Europe/US connectivity.
• Air India Weaknesses: Business class behind Qatar’s Qsuite and Emirates’ A380 suites; service reputation lags; smaller global network.

Risks & Considerations

• Certification Delays: Business suites not yet fully approved.
• Competition: Emirates and Qatar dominate premium long‑haul travel.
• Passenger Perception: Air India must overcome legacy reputation issues.

Opportunities for Airline Startups in India !, Says Boeing India Prez, Citing Data

Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, recently highlighted the potential for airline startups in India. He mentioned that India's growing economy and unique geography provide significant opportunities for new airlines to offer targeted services and products. Boeing has been actively supporting civil aviation customers in India and has placed nearly 600 aircraft orders from Indian airlines, including Air India, Akasa, and SpiceJet.

In an interview with ET Prime, Gupte talked about the India’s expanding aerospace presence, the competition with rival Airbus, and more. India's aviation market is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with a projected annual growth rate of around 9% over the next decade. The number of domestic air passengers in India has been steadily rising, reaching over 140 million in 2023.

"... look at one of the charts in our commercial market outlook (which sees Indian aviation to order around 2,550 commercial planes over the next two decades), you see only a small percentage of the overall market growth over the next 20 years. That small percentage alone would be the size of the largest airline in the US today. So, whenever somebody says that the Indian market is consolidated to two players and that there’s no room for startups, I hope that data proves that is absolutely untrue; that there will be opportunity for entrance into the Indian market over the next 10 to 20 years, that is very clear," said Salil Gupte.

In his role, Salil Gupte oversees Boeing's commercial, defense, and services businesses in the region. He leads a team of around 5,000 employees across various sites in India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

Gupte has been instrumental in expanding Boeing's presence in India, supporting both Indian and global customers. Gupte has also been involved in significant defense projects, such as the delivery of C-17 cargo aircraft, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and Apache helicopters.

The Indian aviation market is highly competitive, with established players like IndiGo and Air India dominating the skies.

Gupte emphasized that the synergy between civil and defence aviation is extremely important in every single successful market. Citing markets of Japan, Singapore, Turkey and the likes,Gupte said that these countries leveraged the economies of scale of combining civil and defence aviation to grow. "They have not looked at them as separate individual markets, and that’s going to be very important for us.", Gupte said.

The Boeing India president also mentioned HAL and said that the government-owned aerospace and defense company is producing aerospace products like aircraft doors for the longest time for plane Makers.

Gupte also discussed the emergence of private sector players like Dynamatic, a Bengaluru based precision engineering company, Notably, Dynamatic recently announced that it is collaborating with Deutsche Aircraft to manufacture the rear fuselage of the D328eco, a 40-seat turboprop aircraft designed to enhance regional connectivity and sustainability. 

Airline Startups in India

There has been a surge in investment in aviation startups, with companies like Akasa Air and SpiceJet attracting significant funding. Further, the Indian government has been supportive of the aviation sector, with initiatives like the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme aimed at making air travel affordable and widespread.

Launched in 2022, Akasa Air is a low-cost carrier founded by former IndiGo executives. It aims to provide affordable and reliable air travel across India.

Although not a recent startup, SpiceJet has been a significant player in the Indian aviation market since its inception in 2005. It has successfully expanded its fleet and network over the years.

Airline startups in India face several challenges. Limited airport infrastructure and slot availability can restrict growth and operational efficiency. Regulatory hurdles is also big challenge as navigating the complex regulatory environment and obtaining necessary approvals can be time-consuming and challenging.

Despite these challenges, the potential for growth and innovation in the Indian aviation sector remains high.

Boeing’s Rockets Are Built with Inexperienced and Untrained Workforce, Reports NASA's Inspector General

A recent report has highlighted significant issues with Boeing's workforce involved in rocket production. The report, issued by NASA's inspector general, points out that Boeing's quality control practices at the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana are lacking. This is largely due to the workforce having insufficient aerospace production experience.

The lack of a qualified workforce has led to numerous "Corrective Action Requests" and has caused delays and increased costs for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket program. For instance, unsatisfactory welding operations resulted in propellant tanks that did not meet specifications, causing a seven-month delay.

These findings are concerning, especially given the importance of the SLS rocket for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

The Space Launch System (SLS) is NASA's super heavy-lift launch vehicle designed for deep space exploration. It is a key component of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.

The audit was performed, by the NASA Inspector General, because the SLS’s new upper stage — the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS)— is a critical component of the SLS upgrade, which is being done by the Boeing Company.

Once completed, the EUS will give the SLS a 40% upgrade in capability to send the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle capsule and large cargos to the Moon, from 27 metric tons under Block 1—the SLS rocket’s first iteration—to 38 metric tons with Block 1B.

According to Safety and Mission Assurance officials at NASA and DCMA officials at Michoud, Boeing’s quality control issues are largely caused by its workforce having insufficient aerospace production experience," the report states. "The lack of a trained and qualified workforce increases the risk that the contractor will continue to manufacture parts and components that do not adhere to NASA requirements and industry standards."

This lack of a qualified workforce has resulted in significant program delays and increased costs. According to the new report, "unsatisfactory" welding operations resulted in propellant tanks that did not meet specifications, which directly led to a seven-month delay in the program.

Notably, SLS is the only rocket capable of sending the Orion spacecraft, astronauts, and large cargo directly to the Moon in a single mission. The rocket has multiple configurations, with the initial Block 1 capable of lifting 95 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) and future versions (Block 1B and Block 2) designed to carry even heavier payloads.

The SLS will support various missions, including crewed lunar landings, deep space exploration, and potentially missions to Mars.

The SLS represents a significant advancement in space exploration technology, combining power, versatility, and the capability to support long-duration missions beyond Earth's orbit.

NASA Inspector general's report has projected that SLS Block 1B costs will reach approximately $5.7 billion before the system is scheduled to launch in 2028. This is $700 million more than NASA’s 2023 Agency Baseline Commitment, which established a cost and schedule baseline at nearly $5 billion.

EUS development accounts for more than half of this cost, which the report estimates will increase from an initial cost of $962 million in 2017 to nearly $2.8 billion through 2028. Boeing’s delivery of the EUS to NASA has also been delayed from February 2021 to April 2027, and when combined with other factors, suggests the September 2028 Artemis IV launch date could be delayed as well.

Boeing Inaugurates 30 Libraries, and 3 Innovation Studios with Learning Links Foundation, in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh

Minister Smriti Irani Dedicates Two Boeing Literacy Programs to Empower ‘Sukanyas’ of Amethi

• Launched under the flagship Boeing Sukanya Program guided by PM Modi’s vision.
• Inaugurates 30 Boeing Room to Read Libraries and three Boeing Innovation Studios with Learning Links Foundation in Amethi schools.

The Hon’ble Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs of the Government of India, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, on February 28th, inaugurated 30 libraries under Boeing’s Room to Read literacy program and 3 Boeing Innovation Studios by Learning Links Foundation in the Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh.

Minister Irani launched the Boeing literacy programs in Amethi district to help advance female literacy and empower girl children in the district. The Hon’bleçto the nation the Boeing Sukanya Program, which aims to provide opportunities for girls and women from across India to learn critical skills in STEM fields and train for jobs in the aviation sector.

“Foremost, I am grateful to our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his vision in helping advance the participation of our country’s daughters in India's aviation sector through the Boeing Sukanya Program. I am equally delighted that under this program, we expand the literacy outreach by setting up 60 Boeing – Room to Read libraries and Boeing STEM labs in Amethi, of which 30 libraries and three STEM labs are fully operational for children in Amethi today,” said Smt. Irani. “Programs such as these not only make education accessible and employment inclusive for our girls and women but empower every woman to be the center of decision-making in the family, community, and country – and that is a vision we drive for the district and nation,” she added.

Minister Irani was accompanied by senior Government and district officials, Boeing India Chief of Staff and Boeing Global Engagement Lead, India and South Asia, Ms. Praveena Yagnambhat, Mr. Sudeep Dube, senior vice president, Learning Links Foundation, and Mr. Rishi Rajvanshi, Director, Innovation and Donor Engagement, Room to Read India at the opening ceremonies in Amethi today.

“We are proud of the commitment we made as part of the Boeing Sukanya Program to set up the infrastructure and enable access to education, guided by PM Modi’s vision for greater participation of more girl children into the country’s growing aviation sector, and pleased to have Minister Irani to expand the outreach in Amethi district today,” said Mr. Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and South Asia. “We also thank our partners Room to Read and Learning Links Foundations for their focus and dedication.” added Salil.

Launched in 2023 in the Amethi district, the Boeing Room to Read literacy program will touch 60 primary schools for the next few years in Amethi to help nurture independent readers and lifelong learners. The libraries are equipped with modern amenities and resources including books, reading tables, open bookshelves, display units, and other educational materials. In addition, the program will also drive family and community engagement and awareness through community meetings, events, summer camps, parental orientation, school management committee training, and reading campaigns. The program will also enable professional development training for educators and faculty. The initiatives will help create awareness among families, communities, and educators about the right ways to support children at home and in school.

Speaking on the partnership, Ms. Poornima Garg, Country Director, Room to Read India said, "In Amethi, our partnership with Boeing bolsters support for 60 schools, reinforcing our enduring collaboration that has positively influenced the lives of more than 20,000 students nationwide. We firmly believe that education is a fundamental right for all, and together with Boeing, we are dedicated towards advancing state government’s Mission Prerna to improve quality of education, especially children’s foundational learning skills in Uttar Pradesh.”

Similarly, in partnership with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), a renowned not-for-profit organization, Boeing sets up three Innovation Studios that will enable collaborative and hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning among the children in the district. Built with a commitment to advance education in adherence to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these Innovation Studios are designed to enhance 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving among the children.

Mr. Sudeep Dube, Senior Vice President, Learning Links Foundation said, “STEM learning is essential for preparing students to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world, equipping them with the skills needed for building future careers and for contributing to the overall development of a nation. At Learning Links Foundation, we prioritize STEM initiatives to empower students with the tools and knowledge necessary for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, and we "c¥" cc"cccfcffff"are pleased with today’s launch aligned with LLFs vision.”

As a socially responsible business leader, Boeing is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities among which it operates. Through focused programs in skilling, education and nutrition, healthcare and sanitation, workforce development, and veterans’ welfare, Boeing has positively impacted more than 13 lakh lives in India over the years.

Boeing Opens India Engg. and Tech Center (BIETC) in Bengaluru As Its Largest Investment Outside US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center (BIETC) in Bengaluru, marking Boeing’s largest investment outside the United States.

The new BIETC facility is 43-acre in size and built with an investment of Rs 1,600 crores, it is positioned as a key hub for collaboration within India’s startup, private, and government sectors.

#MakeInIndia A moment of pride for the Indian aviation community as PM Sh @narendramodi Ji inaugurated Boeing's state-of-the-art Engineering and Technology Centre in Bengaluru. The Rs 16000 crore-worth facility is Boeing's second largest in the world!

This will certainly infuse… pic.twitter.com/rZB2lU8MCR

— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) January 19, 2024

This comes within a week after the manufacturer of commercial jetliner had inaugurated the 36,000-square-foot Boeing India Distribution Center in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh.

BIETC, in Bengaluru, is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering partnerships with India’s vibrant aerospace and defense ecosystem.

Notably, Boeing is continuously in controversy since 2019 as there have been a series of unfortunate incidents involving Boeing's aircrafts, including two fatal crashes of the 737 Max.

Recently, a Boeing 747 cargo plane made an emergency landing on Thursday night after it was seen spewing flames in the night sky over Miami, United States. Interestingly, on the same day, Boeing announced that Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline co-founded by Late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, had nearly tripled 737 order book to meet rising demand by confirming 150 more Boeing 737 MAX family jet airplanes.

To recall, there is an incident involving the 737 Max 9, in which a hole blew open in the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines flight in midair. This was the latest in a string of safety lapses in Boeing’s workhorse aircraft — including two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 — that are indirectly helping propel the fortunes of Airbus, the European aerospace giant.

Boeing and Air India Subsidiary AIESL Collaborate for Repair and Overhaul of Key Indian Defence Platforms

Image - www.aiesl.in

• Collaboration planned under the Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) initiative to build India as a regional MRO hub
• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of Boeing 777 VIP aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force and P-8I aircraft fleet operated by the Indian Navy
• Additionally exploring collaboration in repair and overhaul of landing gear and other commercial common 737NG equipment fitted on the P-8I fleet

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced an effort to explore opportunities with Air India Engineering Services Ltd. (AIESL), a wholly owned Subsidiary of Air India, for the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) of critical equipment on key Boeing defence platforms in India, including the P-8I operated by the Indian Navy and the 777 VIP aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. The collaboration was announced at the Boeing India Aatmanirbharta in Defence conference organized in New Delhi on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, with participation from dignitaries from the Indian Navy, AIESL, and other key supplier-partners.

"Our planned collaboration with AIESL could position us to provide significant value-add to our defence customers locally by enabling faster turnaround, exceptional operational capability and mission readiness for the Indian armed forces. This is also an important step as part of our commitment to the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision of making India a regional MRO hub," said Surendra Ahuja, Managing Director, Boeing Defence India.

Photo (L to R) Rajiv Kumar, Head of Marketing, DGM, AI Engineering Services Ltd, RAdm Deepak Bansal, VSM, ACNS (Air Materiel), Indian Navy, Sharad

This collaboration would support the Indian Navy’s growing P-8I fleet, building up the local aviation ecosystem, while ensuring quicker turnarounds for the Indian Navy. It would also help build indigenous MRO capabilities as it would bring the P-8I landing gear repair and overhaul work to India for the first time.

“Such collaboration would drive forward our vision for strengthening MRO capabilities in India, for India. We remain excited and committed as we provide critical support to India’s armed forces as part of the Boeing India Repair Development and Sustainment (BIRDS) hub initiative,” said Sharad Agrawal, CEO, AI Engineering Services Ltd.

Boeing India’s collaboration with AIESL would provide further impetus to the BIRDS hub initiative, an in-country network and alliance of suppliers led by Boeing in India that envisions a competitive MRO ecosystem for engineering, maintenance, skilling, repair and sustainment services of defence and commercial aircraft. The hub has been growing capabilities in India in the areas of heavy maintenance, component repairs, training and skilling of MRO maintainers.

An important aspect of BIRDS is training programs to increase skilled manpower by developing sub-tier suppliers and medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) to build high quality MRO capabilities in India.

About AI Engineering Services Limited

AI Engineering Services Ltd. is a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approved MRO set up in India that serves as a one-stop-shop for all engineering requirements at major airports with a pan-India footprint. Prior to Air India divestment, the company was transferred to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), AI Assets Holdings Ltd., formed by the Government of India.

With a great skill set, huge professional experience and MRO infrastructure located at all the major metros, AIESL manages and maintains Airbus, Boeing and ATRs fleets belonging to various national as well as international airlines with Technical Dispatch Reliability of more than 99%.

AIESL facilities includes hangar facility, line and base maintenance, engine overhaul, avionics accessories shops and components shops, structural repairs including composite repair, cabin and seat repair facility, landing gear, engineering support service and many specialized services. Its dedicated support team for AOG requests provides highly coordinated troubleshooting and engineering support round the clock. For more details, visit: https://www.aiesl.in.

About Boeing India

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Boeing’s advanced aircraft and services focus plays an important role in mission-readiness for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Boeing is focused on delivering value to Indian customers with advanced technologies and remains committed to creating sustainable value in the Indian aerospace sector – developing local suppliers, and shaping academic and research collaborations with Indian institutions. 

Boeing has strengthened its supply chain with more than 275 local companies in India and a joint venture to manufacture fuselages for Apache helicopters. Annual sourcing from India stands at $1 billion. Boeing currently employs close to 4,000 people in India, and more than 7,000 people work with its supply chain partners. Boeing serves communities and citizenship programs to inspire change and make an impact on more than 500,000 lives in India. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.in.

Google's Larry Page Cofounded Electric Air-Taxi Startup Raises $450 Mn from The Boeing Company

Wisk, a developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air-taxi in the U.S., has raised $450 million in funding from The Boeing Company. Founded in 2010, Wisk is a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk Corporation, which was co-founded by Sebastian Thrun and Google co-founder Larry Page.

With this fresh funding, Wisk becomes one of the most well-funded AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) companies in the world. Wisk has previously secured undisclosed funding rounds, which were also led by The Boeing Company.

"This investment will further advance the development of Wisk’s 6th generation eVTOL aircraft, a first-ever candidate for certification of an autonomous, all-electric, passenger-carrying aircraft in the U.S. ", said an announcement release by Wisk.

California-based Wisk is one of the dozens of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) makers however it differs in focusing its efforts on autonomous flight. Wisk intends to operate one of the industry’s largest fleets of AAM eVTOL aircraft. The eVTOL startup aiming to close to 14M annual flights bringing time savings to over 40 million people across 20 cities in the U.S. 

Wisk's eVTOL aircraft will not require a runway and allows to land where its passenger need to be. The company uses self-flying software combined with human oversight, aiming to shape the future of accessible, everyday flight.

In 2017, Wisk claimed to became the first company in the U.S. to successfully fly an autonomous, eVTOL aircraft designed for passenger use. Then in May 2021, Wisk signed its first deal to operate air taxis in the US.

In September last year, space agency NASA began flight-testing with Joby Aviation, which is also an eVTOL startup backed by Uber. Wisk too has partnered with NASA for Urban Air Mobility solutions in the U.S. 

Last year in March, Germany-based Volocopter, also an electric eVTOL startup, raised €200 million in its Series D funding round.

Wisk is a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the U.S. With more than 140 patents issued on its name, Wisk has designed, developed, and tested five generations of aircraft and is currently developing its 6th generation autonomous eVTOL aircraft.

Marc Allen, Chief Strategy Officer of Boeing said, "With this investment, we are reconfirming our belief in Wisk’s business and the importance of their work in pioneering all-electric, AI-driven, autonomous capability for the aerospace industry. Autonomy is the key to unlocking scale across all AAM applications, from passenger to cargo and beyond. That’s why straight-to-autonomy is a core first principle. Boeing and Wisk have been at the forefront of AAM innovation for more than a decade, and will continue to lead in the years ahead."

Boeing Looking for Indian Startups Which Can Solve Problems; Apply Before 21 January

Not many know that world's largest aerospace company Boeing hss launched an India Innovation Challenge in collaboration with Hyderabad's T-Hub and is looking for seed stage tech startups in India that can solve real problems.

The initiative called Horizon X is looking for Indian startups with ideas that can solve problems with regard to a few key areas like autonomous or unmanned devices, manufacturing, IOT data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Applications for the challenge close on January 21.

With HorizonX, Boeing aims to get smart ideas that can be implemented to solve the problems of interest to Boeing. It is not enough for it to be just a smart idea, it should provide a workable solution.

“There is a common misconception that aerospace is a field only for aerospace engineers. This is false as we use a wide variety of technologies that can make our systems more efficient and that requires experts from diverse backgrounds. Data analytics and IOT, for instance, are areas that we are looking at to improve efficiency", said the Managing Director of Boeing Research & Technology-India, Bala Bharadvaj, while addressing students at IIT-Madras’ tech fest Shaastra on Saturday.

Boeing is also nurturing internal startups and is launching this HorizonX challenge to select 3 startups who will work side by side with 3 Boeing teams in a tailored startup accelerator.

The selected startups will then get a chance to go through a 3-month custom accelerator program which in turn help them to rapidly develop and scale beyond seed-stage with Boeing and the Aerospace Ecosystem.

The three final winners of the challenge will get $10K USD prize per startup in exchange for participation given rights to future equity.

More information about HorizonX can be found here, including applications.