Jobaaj Stories
Mahindra Aerostructures to Build Fuselages for Airbus H130 Helicopters in India
In a major milestone for India's aerospace manufacturing sector, Mahindra Aerostructures Ltd. (MASL) has signed a long-term agreement with Airbus Helicopters to manufacture the main fuselage assemblies for the Airbus H130 helicopters. This marks the first time that this part of the H130 will be made in India, positioning Mahindra as the first Indian company to join the Airbus Helicopters supply chain for this aircraft model.
What the Agreement Includes
Under this new deal, Mahindra Aerostructures, which operates under the larger Mahindra Group, will handle the production of the H130 helicopter’s main fuselage. The entire assembly will be manufactured at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art facility in Narsapura, Karnataka, near Bengaluru. Once completed, the fuselage units will be shipped to Airbus for final integration and assembly.
The H130 helicopter is a widely used lightweight, single-engine aircraft known for its performance, safety, and comfort. It is commonly deployed in sectors like emergency medical services, sightseeing tours, law enforcement, and corporate travel.
This deal significantly deepens the existing relationship between Mahindra and Airbus. Mahindra Aerostructures has been supplying parts for Airbus’s commercial aircraft for over a decade. With this expansion into helicopters, Mahindra’s role within Airbus’s global supply chain is set to grow further.
A Boost for ‘Make in India’
The agreement supports India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports. By producing high-precision helicopter components locally, the partnership strengthens India’s aerospace capabilities while opening up new opportunities for exports and employment.
Airbus Helicopters stated that choosing Mahindra was based on the company’s strong performance as an aerospace supplier and its ability to meet international quality standards. This collaboration demonstrates Airbus’s long-term commitment to building a robust aerospace ecosystem in India.
In addition to this agreement, Airbus is also working with Tata Group to build a final assembly line for H125 helicopters in Hyderabad, Telangana. Together, these efforts reflect the company’s strategy to expand its presence in the Indian defense and civilian aviation markets.
How India Benefits from the Deal
This deal brings multiple benefits to the Indian economy and aerospace sector:
-
Jobs and Skill Development: The manufacturing work will create new job opportunities and help train local talent in high-tech aviation production.
-
Technology Transfer: Mahindra will gain valuable technical know-how by working closely with Airbus on complex helicopter components.
-
Export Potential: Since Airbus serves global markets, the parts made by Mahindra could be integrated into helicopters used worldwide.
-
Industrial Growth: By involving Indian firms in global aircraft manufacturing, India strengthens its position as a trusted industrial partner.
This is not just a business deal—it’s a strategic step toward making India a global hub for aerospace production.
