New Delhi: Thursday, June 12 turned out to be an unfortunate day for India. An Air India flight from Ahmedabad, Gujarat to London crashed. The aircraft involved in the accident was a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, made by the American aerospace company Boeing.
Boeing is not just a company that makes airplanes for commercial airlines. It also plays a major role in supplying defense equipment to India. According to Boeing’s official information, the company has provided India with 11 C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and 22 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.
Boeing also handles the maintenance of these machines. In addition, India has placed orders for 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters, 12 P-8I surveillance aircraft, and 3 VVIP aircraft used by top Indian leaders.
Apache and Chinook helicopters
Apache and Chinook helicopters are especially important to India. They are powerful, heavy-lift aircraft used in difficult terrains, including border areas.
In times of tension with neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan, these helicopters and aircraft play a crucial role in India’s defense. This is why experts believe that a detailed check of Boeing’s aircraft safety is necessary, especially after the recent crash.
What does Boeing do?
Boeing is a multinational company from the United States. It designs and manufactures airplanes, rockets, satellites, and missiles. The company also offers leasing and maintenance services. In 2020, Boeing was the largest aerospace manufacturer in the world and ranked as the fourth-largest defense contractor globally. It is also the top exporter from the United States.
The company was founded on July 15, 1916, by William E Boeing in Seattle, USA. In 1997, Boeing merged with another major aerospace company, McDonnell Douglas. Today, Boeing operates from its headquarters in Virginia and has three major divisions – Boeing commercial airplanes, Boeing defence, space and security, Boeing global services.
