In a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Airbus Helicopters has unveiled a strategic partnership with the Tata Group to establish the country’s inaugural Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the private sector. The FAL is slated to produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter, catering to the domestic market and facilitating exports to neighboring countries.
This collaboration marks a historic milestone as the private sector takes the lead in establishing a helicopter manufacturing facility in India, aligning with the Government of India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) program. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, will spearhead the establishment of the facility in conjunction with Airbus Helicopters.
The announcement was made during the two-day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India, coinciding with his role as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations last 26 January 2024.
“Helicopters are crucial for nation building. A ‘Made-in-India’ civil helicopter will not only be a symbol of the confident New India but will also unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country. This helicopter final assembly line, which we will build together with our trusted partner Tata, is a reaffirmation of Airbus’ commitment to developing the full spectrum of the aerospace ecosystem in India. This will be the second final assembly line Airbus is building in India after the ‘Make in India’ C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat,” according to Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.
The FAL in India will handle the integration of major component assemblies, avionics, and mission systems, encompassing tasks such as the installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and engines. In addition, the facility will conduct testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the wider region. The setup process is anticipated to take 24 months, with the first ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters expected to roll out in 2026. The location of the FAL will be a joint decision between Airbus and the Tata Group.
“The Tata Group is delighted to set up India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. This facility will have the final assembly line in partnership with Airbus for the world’s bestselling Airbus H125 single engine helicopter for the Indian as well as export markets,” said N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons.
As an undisputed leader in its class, the H125 produced in India is poised to revolutionize helicopter applications within the country. Serving multiple purposes, this versatile helicopter will transform passenger and goods transportation and find applications in emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions. The H125 is expected to play a crucial role in the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme — Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN), enhancing last-mile connectivity to remote areas and contributing significantly to the tourism sector.
The H125, recognized as the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, boasts unmatched performance in its category. As a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, it has amassed over 38 million flight hours globally and is adaptable for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue operations, air ambulance services, and passenger transport.
Distinguishing itself further, the H125 is the only helicopter to have successfully landed on Mount Everest, showcasing its agility in operating within high-altitude and extreme environments.
This proposed helicopter manufacturing facility represents Airbus’ second Final Assembly Line in India, capitalizing on TASL’s aerospace and defense capabilities. The companies are concurrently involved in the establishment of a C295 military transport aircraft Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, Gujarat.
This latest announcement underscores Airbus’ commitment to fostering a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem in India, with initiatives spanning aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering, digital design and development, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training, and academic collaborations to nurture human capital in the aerospace sector.