The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] named Nagpur city, located in the State of Maharashtra in central India, as the location for its planned regional maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility.

"We believe that Nagpur will be an excellent location for the Boeing MRO facility because of the tremendous investment being made in the area by both government and private companies," said Dinesh Keskar, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing is committed to helping strengthen India's air transport infrastructure by investing up to $100 million in this MRO facility."

Boeing agreed to establish an MRO facility and provide training as part of a 68-airplane order placed by Air India in December 2005. It is the largest commercial airplane order in India's civil aviation history, and it includes a combination of 777s, 787s and 737s that the operator will use for renewal and expansion of its all-Boeing fleet.

Boeing is working with various stakeholders in India to determine appropriate key partners for the MRO service. The Nagpur facility will provide a convenient, centralized location for India-based airlines to schedule routine maintenance and overhaul work, and to have repairs completed.

"Boeing has collaborated with India for more than 60 years, and we are excited to take part in the amazing future that lies ahead for Indian aviation," said Keskar.

Strong economic growth, increased market liberalization, airport privatization, and travel to and within the country are fueling a bright outlook for aviation in India. Boeing's latest forecast suggests that India will need 856 airplanes worth $72.6 billion in the next 20 years to meet the air travel demand.