Airbus and Mahindra Partner to Build H130 Helicopter Fuselage in India
The Mahindra Group subsidiary Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt Ltd (MASPL) has strengthened India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities by securing a major contract from Airbus Helicopters (AIB) to build and assemble the main fuselage of the H130 light single-engine helicopter.
With initial deliveries anticipated by March 2027, the deal, which was inked in front of Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, marks a significant step forward for India’s “Make in India” campaign and establishes Mahindra as a major participant in Airbus’s global supply chain network.
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.
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