The Boeing Company's proposed MRO base in Nagpur for maintenance and repair of aircraft may have another partner in addition to state-owned carrier Air India.
"Boeing is insisting on incorporating a third partner in the proposed MRO base in Nagpur. However, no decision has been taken up yet on the matter," Air India CMD V Thulasidas said in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Boeing, which promised to invest up to $100 million in the proposed facility as part of the 68-airplane order placed by Air India in December 2005, wants to have an experienced third partner in the joint venture.
"As things stand now, the proposed joint venture company
will have two partners. However, a third partner can be included depending on the discussion between the two parties," Thulasidas said.
He said a committe has been formed within Air India to discuss details with Boeing for the proposed venture.
Air India will have an equity stake in the joint venture, he said, but added the board and subsequently the government have to clear the proposal.
Meanwhile, another joint venture between Boeing and Air India aimed at providing training to pilots took off on Tuesday with the inauguration of Boeing 737 simulator.
Boeing will invest up to $75 million for flight crew training.
