Airbus announced the installation of a new final assembly line (FAL) for its aircraft in India, this time for H125 helicopters.
As with the production of C295 turboprops, the partnership was agreed with the Tata Group, one of the most important in the country.
The location of the final assembly line has yet to be announced, but Airbus and Tata aim to deliver the first helicopters in 2026.
“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,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO.
“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.
The H125 line of helicopters is Airbus’ most popular and in addition to supplying India, the new facility will also export aircraft to neighboring countries.
The project is similar to the Helibras subsidiary, a former Aerospatiale initiative in Brazil created in 1978 and which has since produced several models of civil and military helicopters.
The announcement of the partnership was made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India as chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
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The new assembly line will also test, qualify and deliver the H125 to customers in India and the region.
The H125 is derived from the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil and has capacity for up to six passengers in addition to carrying out varied missions.
