Tata Group and Airbus have joined forces to inaugurate India's inaugural private sector helicopter assembly line. The partnership, solidified through a formal agreement, marks a pioneering endeavor to manufacture civilian helicopters within the country.
The momentous pact, finalized amid French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent Republic Day visit to India, signifying a collaborative effort to bolster indigenous manufacturing capabilities in the aerospace sector.
The cornerstone of this collaboration is the establishment of a Final Assembly Line (FAL) dedicated to producing Airbus’ acclaimed H125 helicopter, a stalwart within its civil range. According to a statement issued by Airbus, the FAL will serve both the domestic market and cater to neighboring nations.
The initiative, which heralds the inauguration of India’s maiden private sector helicopter assembly facility, will be spearheaded by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, in tandem with Airbus Helicopters.
The FAL will undertake comprehensive assembly processes, encompassing integration of major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems, as well as testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 helicopters. The project is slated for completion within 24 months, with initial deliveries anticipated to commence in 2026.
The precise location for the FAL is yet to be determined, with Airbus and Tata Group collaboratively deliberating on the optimal site. This venture augments Airbus’ existing footprint in India, complementing the ongoing construction of a military transport aircraft FAL in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, highlighted the pivotal role of helicopters in national development, asserting that a ‘Made-in-India’ civil helicopter would not only signify India’s burgeoning capabilities but also galvanize the domestic helicopter market.
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, echoed this sentiment, lauding the establishment of India’s inaugural private sector helicopter assembly facility as a testament to Tata Group’s commitment to fostering indigenous aerospace manufacturing.
The H125, renowned for its versatility and reliability, is set to revolutionize various sectors, including passenger and goods transportation, emergency medical services, disaster management, law enforcement, and tourism.
As a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, the H125 boasts unparalleled performance, having amassed over 38 million flight hours globally.
This latest collaboration prominently features the Airbus’ holistic approach towards cultivating an aerospace ecosystem in India, encompassing aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering, digital design and development, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support, as well as academic collaborations to nurture human capital.
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