H130 Helicopter Fuselage to be Built in India by Airbus and Mahindra in Collaboration

Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt Ltd (MASPL), a subsidiary of the Mahindra Group, has secured a landmark contract from Airbus Helicopters to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of the H130 light single-engine helicopter. This agreement marks a notable development for India’s aerospace manufacturing sector and strengthens the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by positioning Mahindra as an integral part of Airbus’s global supply chain. The first fuselage deliveries under this contract are scheduled for completion by March 2027.

The partnership was formalized in the presence of Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and reflects the growing strategic collaboration between Mahindra and Airbus. Under the terms of the agreement, Mahindra Aerostructures will carry out the full production of the H130 main fuselage at its Gurugram facility. These assemblies will then be shipped to Airbus Helicopters’ production centers in Europe for final integration into the aircraft. The industrialization of the project begins immediately, with a strong focus on adhering to the stringent quality standards set by Airbus.

This contract underscores Mahindra’s expanding role in the aerospace industry. Over the years, MASPL has steadily evolved from producing simpler components to handling more complex assemblies. Already supplying parts and sub-assemblies for various Airbus commercial aircraft, this new contract represents a step up in terms of technological sophistication and production scale. It validates Mahindra’s readiness to deliver high-precision aerostructures at a global level.

Mahindra Group CEO and Managing Director Dr. Anish Shah welcomed the development as a significant milestone, emphasizing that it allows the company to apply its industrial process expertise in support of India’s aerospace ambitions. Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia, highlighted that this partnership aligns with Airbus’s broader strategy to foster a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India, spanning manufacturing, assembly, innovation, engineering, digital capabilities, and workforce training.

India’s role in the global aerospace supply chain continues to grow, with Airbus already sourcing $1.4 billion worth of components annually from the country. Every Airbus commercial aircraft currently features parts and systems produced in India.

The H130 helicopter itself is a versatile single-engine aircraft designed for a variety of roles, including passenger transportation, tourism, business travel, emergency medical services, and aerial surveillance. It offers a spacious cabin accommodating up to seven passengers and a pilot, with advanced avionics and low-noise performance, making it a reliable platform for both civilian and utility operations.

Categories: Business
Pratik Patil: