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Airbus chooses eight sites to build final assembly line in India
Industry News- Jul 27,24
Currently, the Airbus H125 helicopter is manufactured in France, the US, and Brazil, with a combined capacity of nearly 220 units.
Airbus is gearing up to start the production of its commercial helicopter, the H125, in India by 2026. The aviation giant is set to establish a final assembly line (FAL) later this year, having shortlisted eight potential locations. Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President, Airbus Helicopters announced that the final decision on the most suitable site for India’s first private-sector aviation assembly line will be made soon.
"We are still in the final assessment stage and should be in a position to announce it shortly," Michalon stated. "We aim to find an ecosystem that is best suited for employees, logistics, industrial activities, and regulatory compliance," he added, noting that the first ‘Make In India’ helicopter delivery is expected by late 2026.
Currently, the Airbus H125 helicopter is manufactured in France, the US, and Brazil, with a combined capacity of nearly 220 units. Addressing reporters at Airbus Helicopters’ headquarters in Marignane, France, Michalon highlighted India's potential as a future market for helicopters. “We manufacture, sell, and support helicopters and solutions. This is what we can provide with ‘Make In India’ solutions," he remarked.
The Indian FAL will initially produce ten H125 helicopters annually, with plans to scale up production based on demand. Michalon emphasised that while the initial number might seem small, production would ramp up as demand increases. He likened the H125 to Airbus' successful narrow-body A320 aircraft, expressing hopes that the H125 would replicate its growth.
Earlier this year, Airbus announced a strategic partnership with the Tata group to assemble the H125 helicopters, which can carry up to six people and have adaptable seat configurations for various needs. Sunny Guglani, India and South Asia Head, Airbus Helicopters, projected a demand for about 500 H125-class single-engine helicopters in the region over the next 20 years, citing growing demand despite current supply constraints.
There are over 4,300 H125 helicopters in operation worldwide, including in the USA. In contrast, the number in India and neighbouring South Asian countries is relatively low, with fewer than 250 currently in service in India. Michalon suggested that the 500-helicopter projection might be conservative, anticipating India could match the United States in yearly demand.
The H125 helicopter can serve multiple purposes, including emergency medical services, business operations, tourism, and aerial law enforcement. The Indian FAL will handle the integration of major components, avionics, mission systems, electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and engines, alongside testing, qualification, and delivery.
Officials mentioned that an H125 helicopter's basic model might cost around 3.2 million euros, with Indian buyers having the option to pay in rupees. Michalon expressed optimism that India's regulatory environment, which is currently restrictive, might soon ‘lighten up’ to facilitate the growth of the helicopter market.
Additionally, Airbus is partnering with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to establish a FAL in Vadodara for manufacturing C295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
(Source:TOI)
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