Airbus Helicopters has entered into a significant agreement with Mahindra Aerostructures, marking a pivotal step in the production of the H130 fuselage in India. This collaboration will see the manufacturing and assembly of the single-engine helicopters take place in the South Asian nation, with the completed units set to be delivered to Airbus facilities in Europe.
The project is set to commence immediately, with plans for the first H130 cabin to be shipped by March 2027. This partnership not only aligns with India’s aspiration to become a global hub for aerospace design and manufacturing but also positions Mahindra as a key player in the international aerospace supply chain.
Dr. Anish Shah, CEO and Managing Director of the Mahindra Group, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting Airbus’s transformative role in enhancing India’s aerospace capabilities and putting them on the world map. “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,” he stated.
Airbus currently has a robust presence in India, with an annual procurement value of approximately $1.4 billion for components and services sourced from the country. Prior to this agreement, Airbus launched an assembly line for the C295 military transport aircraft and the H124 helicopter in India, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing local capabilities.
Commenting on the recent agreement regarding the H130, Airbus India and South Asia President Rémi Maillard highlighted the strategic vision for India’s aerospace ecosystem. He stated, “We have a strategic plan for India and we are implementing it to develop a holistic aerospace ecosystem across all dimensions: assembly, manufacturing, engineering, innovation, digital and training.” Maillard expressed confidence in the growing industrial excellence of the Indian supply chain, remarking that it offers a beneficial mix of skills and competitiveness.
The H130 helicopter, integral to this partnership, is a technologically advanced aircraft measuring 13 meters in length and featuring an 11-meter rotor diameter. It has the capacity to accommodate up to seven passengers and a payload exceeding 1,000 kilograms. Powered by a Safran Arriel 2D engine producing 950 horsepower, the H130 achieves a maximum speed of 128 knots (approximately 237 kilometers or 147 miles per hour), with a range of 327 nautical miles (around 606 kilometers or 376 miles) and a service ceiling of 7,000 meters (22,966 feet).
This collaboration between Airbus and Mahindra is expected to bolster India’s position in the global aerospace industry and foster further development within the country’s manufacturing sector.
