New Delhi, April 9, 2025: In a big step towards the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, European aviation giant Airbus Helicopters has announced a new partnership with Indian company Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. Mahindra will now be responsible for manufacturing the main body structure (fuselage assembly) of Airbus’ popular H130 helicopter right here in India.
The agreement was officially signed today in the presence of Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, and other top officials from the government and both companies.
This contract is a significant win for India’s growing aerospace sector. The main fuselage, which is a crucial part of the helicopter, will be built by Mahindra in their Indian facilities and then shipped to Airbus Helicopters in Europe. Production is set to begin soon, with the first completed fuselage expected to be ready by March 2027.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rémi Maillard, the head of Airbus in India and South Asia, said that this contract shows Airbus’ strong belief in the quality and capability of Indian manufacturing. He highlighted that India has the right mix of skills and competitive pricing, making it a valuable partner for Airbus. He also expressed his pleasure in strengthening their relationship with Mahindra Aerostructures.
Mahindra has been a long-time supplier of various parts for Airbus’ commercial airplanes. This new contract marks a major step forward for them, as they will now be manufacturing larger and more complex aircraft structures.
Dr. Anish Shah, the top boss of the Mahindra Group, expressed his delight in this deeper partnership with Airbus. He acknowledged Airbus’ important role in developing India’s aerospace industry and showcasing its potential to the world. Dr. Shah emphasized Mahindra’s commitment to supporting the ‘Make in India’ program and leveraging their expertise for this new venture.
Airbus considers India not just a big market for their products but also a key hub for sourcing and manufacturing. Currently, every Airbus commercial aircraft uses components made in India. The company buys components and services worth $1.4 billion from India annually. Airbus is also setting up two final assembly lines in India – one for military aircraft (C295) and another for H125 helicopters.
The H130 helicopter is a versatile single-engine aircraft used for various purposes like passenger travel, tourism, business trips, medical emergencies, and surveillance. It can carry a pilot and up to seven passengers and offers excellent visibility with its large windows. It is known for its modern technology, quiet operation, and powerful performance.
This new partnership between Airbus and Mahindra is expected to create more jobs and boost the manufacturing capabilities of India’s aerospace sector, further strengthening the ‘Make in India’ vision.
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