Airbus Partners with Mahindra to Build H130 chopper Fuselage in India

DELHI- Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt Ltd (MASPL), a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, has secured a significant contract from Airbus Helicopters (AIB) to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of the H130 light single-engine helicopter, strengthening India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

The agreement, signed in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, represents a major advancement for India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and positions Mahindra as a key player in Airbus’s global supply chain network, with first deliveries expected by March 2027.

Photo: Mahindra Aerostructures

Airbus Partners with Mahindra Aerostructures

The partnership between Mahindra and Airbus marks a significant evolution in India’s aerospace manufacturing sector.

Under this agreement, Mahindra Aerostructures will produce complete H130 main fuselage assemblies at its Gurugram facility, which will subsequently be transported to Airbus Helicopters’ European production centers for final assembly.

The industrialization phase will commence immediately, with rigorous quality control processes being implemented to meet Airbus’s exacting standards.

This contract highlights Mahindra’s growing expertise in aerospace manufacturing. The company has systematically built its capabilities from producing basic components to complex assemblies, positioning itself as a reliable partner for global aerospace OEMs.

Mahindra Aerostructures already supplies various parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus commercial aircraft programs. The H130 fuselage manufacturing agreement represents a significant advancement in complexity and scale, demonstrating the company’s technical maturity and manufacturing excellence.

Executive Remarks

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and Managing Director of Mahindra Group, expressed enthusiasm about expanding their relationship with Airbus, stating: “This pivotal aerostructures contract allows us to leverage our industrial process excellence while supporting India’s aerospace ambitions.”

The contract signifies Mahindra’s progression from manufacturing components and sub-assemblies to producing complex, complete aerostructures.

Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia, confirmed that this agreement aligns with Airbus’s strategic vision for India. “We are implementing a comprehensive plan to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem across all dimensions: assembly, manufacturing, engineering, innovation, digital capabilities, and training,” Maillard stated.

The collaboration builds upon Airbus’s established presence in India, where annual procurement already reached $1.4 billion.

Every Airbus commercial aircraft currently incorporates components and technologies manufactured in India, demonstrating the country’s growing importance in global aerospace supply chains.

ALSO READ: Mahindra Aerostructure and Airbus Begins New $100M Partnership

Photo: Airbus

H130 Helicopter Specifications and Applications

The H130 helicopter represents a versatile intermediate single-engine platform designed for multiple applications. The aircraft excels in passenger transport, tourism operations, private and business aviation, medical evacuation, and surveillance missions.

Its spacious cabin configuration accommodates one pilot and up to seven passengers, featuring unobstructed views through large wrap-around windscreens and wide windows.

The helicopter incorporates advanced technologies, materials, and avionics systems that deliver exceptional performance while maintaining low noise levels.

Photo: Airbus

Partnership with Tata

Airbus Helicopters partnered with the Tata Group to establish India’s first Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters, significantly advancing the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The facility will manufacture Airbus’ popular H125 helicopter from its civil range for both domestic use and export to neighboring nations.

This landmark collaboration represents the first time India’s private sector will establish a helicopter manufacturing facility, aligning with the Indian government’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) program. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a Tata Group subsidiary, will lead the facility’s development in partnership with Airbus Helicopters.

The announcement coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s two-day visit to India during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2024.

The Indian FAL will integrate major component assemblies, avionics, mission systems, electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and engines. The facility will also conduct testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 helicopters to customers in India and the region.

Airbus and Tata expect to complete the FAL setup within 24 months, with the first ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters scheduled for delivery in 2026. Both companies will jointly determine the location of the assembly line.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the importance of this development:

He added that this second final assembly line in India, following the C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, reaffirms Airbus’ commitment to developing India’s complete aerospace ecosystem.

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed enthusiasm about establishing India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. He highlighted that this facility will host the final assembly line for the world’s bestselling Airbus H125 single-engine helicopter, serving both Indian and export markets.

The H125, renowned as the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, will serve as a versatile workhorse in India, transforming passenger and goods transportation. It will support emergency medical services, disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions. With its ability to provide last-mile connectivity to remote areas, the H125 will significantly contribute to the Indian government’s regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) – further promoting tourism throughout the country.

As part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has logged over 38 million flight hours globally, the H125 excels in high-altitude operations and extreme environments. Its exceptional agility has earned it the distinction of being the only helicopter to land on Mount Everest.

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