New Delhi: The Aerospace industry in both defence and civil sectors passed through turbulent times in the year past amidst the Covid 19 pandemic which not only claimed thousands of lives but virtually brought the civil aviation industry worldwide to a standstill.
However, in the defence sector, Boeing industry officials said they managed to tide over this crisis due to the resilience, stability and opportunities that they got even during these tough times.
But, in the civil sector, the emphasis for a Sustainable Aerospace 2050 needs to be on fleet renewal, operational efficiency, renewable energy, advanced technology and decarbonizing commercial aviation, said Brian Moran, Vice President, Global Sustainability Policy for Boeing. He was speaking at the virtual media briefing session on October 19.
Boeing’s senior management and subject matter experts are participating in a series of virtual briefings that’s being hosted by the company ahead of the Dubai Air Show 2021.
In the defence sector where Defence, Space and Security is one of the business units of the world’s largest defence contractor, Boeing, the year past was indeed a “unique time” as its Vice President, International Government and Service, Torbjorn “Turbo” Sjogren said.
Speaking on “Boeing: Partnering for Sustainable Aerospace,” Moran said the keys to sustainability include level playing field with road transport on incentives, access to capital for new products and Research and Development to enable cost competitiveness.
The Boeing company operates in six key markets: Commercial Derivative Aircraft, Military Rotorcraft, Human Space Exploration, Satellites, Autonomous Systems and Services also has a significant presence in the fixed-wing strike, weapons and integrated missile system markets.
“Last year was a unique time as it was difficult and impacted world over. Yet, it was challenging to the industry but our resilience and stability provided us with an opportunity to engage with our customers,” Sjogren said.
The company had a “good run in serving customers specially in the big markets in Middle East and Saudi Arabia.”
The company operates on three basic principles and these are Mission Leadership, Local presence and Intelligent product support.
These principles are reflected through the company’s seven divisions.
The products developed by the company for global military and government customers is based on proven commercial platforms including Boeing’s world-class 7-series aircraft.
It manages portfolio of strategic missile and defence systems and weapons systems as also Boeing’s current and future portfolio of fixed-wing military and surveillance aircraft, including fighters and commercial derivative platforms, and support of key platforms such as the executive transport fleet, which includes VC-25 (Air Force One).
The company is the world’s largest provider of military rotorcraft with a diverse portfolio of cargo, tiltrotor and attack platforms.
Sjogren said that the company understands the unique role of global fleets alongside customs desired outcomes to match the support strategy with platform needs of customers.
The company had put into operation its digital platform during the recent operations in Kabul where its aircraft had carried out more than 2000 airlifts and over 100 of its planes had operated.
Participating in the virtual media briefing, Rick Lemester, Vice President, Mid East, North Africa, Turkey and Israel, Global Sales and Markets, said in Middle East there was a strong demand for fighter aircraft, helicopters with UAE operating the largest number of US aircraft.
