GMR Aero Technic bags Boeing contract to convert passenger aircraft into freighters

HYDERABAD: GMR Aero Technic (GAT), the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) division of GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Ltd. (GACAEL), has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Boeing Global Services (BGS) contract to convert 737-800 passenger aircraft into a 737-800BCF configuration.

GMR Aero Technic is the first Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) partner to be located in India. The partnership would support conversions of both domestic and foreign aircraft.

GAT has bagged the contract through a global competitive RFP (request for proposal) bid which Boeing had announced to identify MROs for their B737BCF program. GAT has been selected for the program post a detailed due diligence conducted by Boeing. GAT would be the 4th location after China, UK and Costa Rica, where the freighter conversion work will be performed for the B737 BCF program.

Initially, this program would cover 30 plus aircraft BCF conversions, occupying multiple lines successively for appx. five years beginning in year 2023.

Speaking on this partnership, Ashok Gopinath, CEO, GMR Aero Technic said, “With the rise in the Indian aviation industry, MRO services in India has been one of the fastest- growing market globally. The partnership with Boeing reaffirms our capability to provide world- class MRO services and further contribute to the “Make in India” initiative. We thank Boeing for the opportunity given and look forward to working together for future initiatives.”

"Our cooperation with GMR Aero Technic not only a testimony of the maturation of Indian MROs in the country to support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, but also supports the anticipated growth of the cargo sector in the region,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India.

Key features of GAT

• GMR Aero Technic has completed 580+ major checks till date and other ad-hoc maintenance work. The clientele of GMR Aero Technic includes all domestic airlines and 19 International airlines. It provides line maintenance services at 13 airports to 20 plus International customers. GAT remains focused to increase its international footprint.
• In Feb’ 2021, GAT adopted a new innovative technology in the form of an Inflatable Hangar. GAT is the only MRO in the Asia region to have installed such a hangar. The Inflatable Hangar may be used for multiple purposes including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, engine or landing gear replacement.
• GAT is coming up with a DGCA and EASA approved Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School for maintenance personnel which will provide an ab-initio courses in aircraft maintenance to Indian & International students. This centre of excellence will be affiliated with reputed International training organizations. The school is expected to be operational by May 2023.
• In addition to DGCA-India, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Part 145 approvals, GAT has 21 other International Regulatory approvals from various countries to support International customers. Additionally, GAT is approved by AS9110 and DGAQA to perform Defense MRO work.