Airbus Helicopters has joined forces with the Tata Group in a landmark collaboration to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in India, marking a significant milestone for the 'Make in India' initiative. This strategic partnership, a first in India's private sector, aligns with the government's 'AatmaNirbhar Bharat' program.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a Tata Group subsidiary, will collaborate with Airbus Helicopters to co-manufacture the H125 single-engine helicopters, addressing the growing demand in India and neighbouring countries. The collaboration extends to the production of a minimum of 40 C-295 transport aircraft, with TASL overseeing assembly in Vadodara, Gujarat.
The demand for single-engine helicopters, especially the H125, is rising in India, catering to sectors such as high-net-worth individuals, goods transportation, and emergency medical services. Reports indicate an immediate demand for 600-800 helicopters. The announcement coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, highlighting the strengthening India-France Strategic Partnership.
About the Collaboration:
The Tata-Airbus H125 collaboration aims to meet the surging demand for helicopters in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in 2023, signifying India's entry into aircraft production. The Final Assembly Line in India will integrate major components, avionics, and mission systems, with testing and qualification conducted at the facility. The FAL is expected to be operational in 24 months, delivering the first 'Made in India' H125s in 2026.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, emphasized the significance of a 'Made-in-India' civil helicopter, stating it symbolizes confidence and unlocks the market's true potential. The FAL follows the 'Make in India' C295 military aircraft facility, representing Airbus's second assembly line in India.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, expressed delight in setting up India's first private-sector helicopter assembly facility. The facility will host the final assembly line for the world's bestselling Airbus H125, serving both Indian and export markets.
About the Helicopter:
The H125, produced in India, is poised to transform helicopter usage in the country, serving various missions such as passenger and goods transportation, emergency medical services, disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work. As the world's best-selling single-engine helicopter, part of Airbus' Ecureuil family, the H125 boasts 38 million flight hours worldwide.
Its capabilities include operating in high-and-hot environments, easy reconfiguration for various missions, and a historic landing on Mount Everest, showcasing its versatility. The proposed helicopter manufacturing facility adds to the ongoing collaboration between Airbus and TASL, contributing to India's aerospace industry's holistic development.
This collaboration underscores Airbus' commitment to a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India, including component manufacturing, engineering, digital design, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training, and academic collaboration. Airbus aims to foster human capital and significantly contribute to India's aerospace industry growth.
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