Air India's Boeing 737-200 moves 1,900km for engineer training

An Air India Boeing 737-200, which had been grounded and largely forgotten at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for over 13 years, has commenced an extraordinary 1,900-kilometer journey. The aircraft, registered VT-EHH, is being transported by road to Bengaluru, where it will be repurposed as a vital training platform for aspiring aircraft maintenance engineers. This unusual relocation underscores the lifecycle management of older commercial aircraft and the logistical complexities involved in their decommissioning and repurposing.

The Boeing 737-200, a workhorse of Air India's domestic fleet in its prime, had been out of service since 2011. Its prolonged presence at Kolkata airport occupied valuable apron space, contributing to the broader issue of disused aircraft cluttering Indian airport facilities. The decision to move VT-EHH is part of a concerted effort by airport authorities to clear derelict aircraft, thereby optimizing operational areas and enhancing overall airport efficiency. Its new role in Bengaluru will provide hands-on experience for students, offering practical insights into aircraft systems and maintenance procedures that classroom learning alone cannot replicate.

The overland journey, spanning approximately 1,900 kilometers, presents significant logistical challenges, requiring specialized heavy-haulage equipment and meticulous planning to navigate diverse terrains and infrastructure. This method of transport, while unconventional for an aircraft, is a practical solution for a non-airworthy airframe destined for static use. Upon arrival in Bengaluru, the aircraft will be integrated into a technical training institute's curriculum, serving as an invaluable educational asset for the next generation of aviation professionals.

This initiative not only addresses the issue of airport congestion but also contributes positively to the development of skilled manpower for India's rapidly expanding aviation sector. By transforming a retired asset into a functional training tool, Air India and the associated training institutions are fostering practical expertise essential for maintaining modern aircraft fleets. The journey of VT-EHH from a forgotten relic to a future training aid symbolizes a sustainable approach to aviation asset management.