HCL Tech to make software for Boeing

HCL will make hosting platform for flight test computing system and provide software services to many 787 systems partners.

Boeing Co has signed up Indian software services firm HCL Technologies Ltd to develop software for its new 787 Dreamliner, the US commercial jet maker said on Tuesday.

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HCL Technologies will develop a hosting platform for the flight test computing system and provide software services to many of the 787 systems partners, according to a statement.

In a notice to the Bombay Stock Exchange, HCL said this was a multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement.

Prior to the statement, HCL shares ended 0.6 per cent higher at Rs 342 in a slightly firm Bombay market.

"India's aerospace industry continues to make great strides -- not only in technology services, but also in the development of aerospace and satellite capabilities," Boeing senior vice-president Thomas Pickering said in a statement.

Chicago-based Boeing has also signed a strategic deal with the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore for research in aerospace materials, structures and manufacturing technologies.

Boeing has existing deals with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and India's top software services exporter, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, as well as Wipro Ltd.

Boeing is looking to tap India's potential as low-cost airlines multiply and private airlines expand following recent regulatory approval for more international flights.

Airbus recently underbid Boeing in an estimated $2.1 billion deal to sell 43 A320 aircraft to state-owned Indian Airlines. Earlier on Tuesday, an Airbus spokesman said Indian private airline expansion offered big potential for sales.