Airbus and Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. signed a milestone contract for the manufacturing and assembly of the H130 helicopter fuselage. The contract was signed in the presence of Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister for Civil Aviation, at a high-level ceremony held at the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The event was graced by senior dignitaries, including Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Remi Maillard, President & Managing Director, Airbus India & South Asia; Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mahindra Group; along with top leaders from both companies and industry stakeholders.
This strategic collaboration represents a pivotal moment in India’s aviation journey, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The partnership underscores global confidence in India’s growing aerospace ecosystem and industrial capabilities.
Speaking at the event, Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stated, ‘I think this contract for the manufacturing and assembly of the H130 helicopter fuselage is a testament to the confidence global players like Airbus have in the potential of Indian industry. Since its inception in 2011, Mahindra Aerostructures has proven that even as a young player in the aerospace industry, it can deliver world-class parts and assemblies for major global players like Airbus. As the Civil Aviation Minister, I am proud of the fact that today every Airbus commercial aircraft and helicopter carries critical technologies and parts designed, made, and maintained in India. And today, we are setting a new benchmark for aircraft component manufacturing. I believe that this has been possible only with the valuable support from Airbus.’
The Minister also highlighted India’s rapid growth in the civil aviation sector:
- India is projected to become one of the world’s largest aviation markets, with over 2,200 aircraft expected to join its fleet in the next 20 years.
- Passenger traffic is expected to reach 630 million annually by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6–8%.
- The domestic aerospace manufacturing market is poised to become a $10 billion industry in the next 10–15 years.
He further acknowledged the vital contributions of Indian MSMEs and startups, which collectively export over $2 billion worth of aircraft components annually to global players like Airbus and Boeing.
Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, emphasized the broader impact of the agreement saying that this contract will bring cutting-edge technologies and skilled jobs to India, while also catalyzing the development of domestic MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities and strengthening our manufacturing base.”
India’s aerospace sector continues to thrive with the establishment of two Final Assembly Lines:
- The C295 military aircraft facility, jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Mr. Pedro Sánchez.
- The upcoming H125 helicopter assembly line.
