Mahindra to make H130 helicopter fuselage for Airbus in India

NEW DELHI: In a big boost to PM Modi “make in India, programme,” Airbus Helicopters has awarded a contract for manufacturing the main fuselage assembly of H130 helicopter to Mahindra Aerostructures here. The main fuselage assembly will then be shipped to Airbus Helicopters’ facilities in Europe. Work on this will commence immediately and the first cabin assembly is scheduled for delivery by March 2027.

The contract was signed in the presence of Union aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu; aviation secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam; Rémi Maillard, president & MD of Airbus in India and South Asia; and Anish Shah, group CEO & MD of Mahindra Group.

Naidu said: “(This) marks a historic milestone — a strong testament to the global confidence in India’s industrial potential. Congratulations to Mahindra Aerostructures on partnering with Airbus to manufacture H130 helicopter fuselages. This collaboration is a big leap towards redefining India’s aviation ecosystem and advancing atmanirbharta in the aviation sector.”

Maillard said: “We have a strategic plan for India aare implementing it to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem across all dimensions: assembly, manufacturing, engineering, innovation, digital and training. The H130 fuselage manufacturing contract underscores Airbus’ confidence in the growing industrial excellence of the Indian supply chain, which offers the right mix of competencies and competitiveness. We are glad to extend this bond with India through our latest association with our partner Mahindra Aerostructures.”

Mahindra already supplies a variety of parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus’ commercial aircraft programmes. The latest agreement expands its “portfolio of capabilities from parts and sub-assemblies to larger and more complex aerostructures,” said a statement.

Mahindra’s Anish Shah said: “We are delighted to deepen our longstanding partnership with Airbus through this aerostructures contract. As a global leader, Airbus has played a transformative role in nurturing India’s aerospace ecosystem and showcasing it on the world stage. It is an honour for us to build on our proven track record with Airbus, harness our industrial process excellence, and embark on this new initiative. This collaboration highlights our commitment to supporting Govt of India's flagship 'make in India' programme.”

“For Airbus, India is both a major market and a strategic resource hub. Today, every Airbus commercial aircraft has components and technologies made in India. Currently, Airbus’ annual procurement of components and services from India stands at $1.4 billion. Airbus’ efforts to mature the wider Indian aerospace ecosystem also includes the building of two final assembly lines: one for the C295 military aircraft and the other for the H125 helicopter,” Airbus statement added.

The H130 is an intermediate single-engine helicopter tailored for passenger transport, tourism and private and business aviation, as well as medical airlift and surveillance missions, which accommodates the pilot and up to seven passengers.