Hyderabad: Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provider GMR Aero Technic (GAT) has inked an agreement with Boeing Defence India Private Limited (BDIPL) to conduct Phase 56 heavy maintenance checks for the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft fleet, GMR group said on Thursday.As per the agreement, GAT will carry out the maintenance checks at its MRO facility at the GMR Aerospace Park SEZ in Hyderabad. The maintenance will include structural upgrades, comprehensive inspections, painting, and system upgrades, in line with Boeing and defence aviation maintenance standards, GMR said.The Indian Navy operates a fleet of 12 Boeing P-8I aircraft that are deployed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu and INS Hansa in Goa. A long range maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the P-8I is designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.“As our first major engagement supporting a frontline defence aircraft platform, it reflects strong confidence in the depth of our technical capabilities and the expertise of our highly qualified and skilled workforce,” said GAT president Ashok Gopinath.According to Nikhil Joshi, managing director, BDIPL, the collaboration was yet another step in Boeing’s attempt to develop indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities in India.
