Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg is visiting India on his first international trip since assuming leadership of the aerospace manufacturer in August 2024. During the three-day visit, Ortberg met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi and is scheduled to engage with Boeing employees and customers in the country.
Indian airline companies have placed orders for over 600 Boeing aircraft, including the 737 Max, 787, and 777X models. Currently, more than 280 Boeing civil and military aircraft are operated by Indian airlines and defense forces.
Boeing is also expanding its operations in India, sourcing $1.25 billion in parts and components annually from the country. The company has invested $200 million in a campus in Bengaluru, which is its largest overseas facility.
Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, stated that the company aims to continue its growth in the region and strengthen its role in defense and manufacturing partnerships within the country.
Ortberg’s visit comes as Boeing seeks to rebound from recent challenges, including reduced aircraft deliveries in 2024. The company delivered 348 commercial aircraft last year, significantly lower than its 2023 figures.
The visit also takes place amid broader international developments, including penalties imposed by China on Boeing and other U.S. companies involved in arms exports to Taiwan.