Aircraft

Boeing has contracted India's Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) to manufacture the flaperons that will be used on its 777 series of aircraft ordered by the country's airlines.

HAL will manufacture the parts at its facilities in Bangalore, says Boeing. The 777 flaperons are "a highly complex composite assembly that is instrumental in controlling the airplane's manoeuvrability in flight", working both as an aileron to control roll and as a flap to control lift, it adds.

"The composite 777 flaperon that HAL will produce represents a significant leap forward in technological capability, and supports Boeing's strategy to work in partnership with India's aerospace industry for the long-term," says Boeing India president Dinesh Keskar.

The first flaperon assembly is likely to be delivered "within the next few years", says Boeing.

"Showcasing HAL's composite manufacturing capability on one of the world's premier long-haul commercial jets positions us for even greater opportunities at the forefront of technology," says Soundara Rajan, director for corporate planning and marketing at HAL.

Indian carriers have ordered 36 of Boeing's 777s, including 23 orders from Air India and 13 orders from Jet Airways.