Airbus and Tata Group Join Forces to Establish India’s First Private Helicopter Assembly Line
In a significant collaboration, Airbus Helicopters and the Tata Group have unveiled plans to set up India’s inaugural private sector helicopter assembly facility. This initiative, known as the Final Assembly Line (FAL), is poised to manufacture Airbus’ renowned H125 single-engine civil helicopter, catering to both the Indian market and neighboring countries. The announcement, made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India for Republic Day celebrations, underscores the growing cooperation between Indian and French aerospace industries.
The Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, will spearhead the establishment of this FAL in partnership with Airbus Helicopters. This development follows their ongoing collaboration on a similar FAL in Vadodara for the C-295 military transport aircraft, part of a contract supplying 56 aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
According to Airbus, the Indian FAL will play a pivotal role in assembling major components, avionics, mission systems, electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and engines. Additionally, it will handle testing, qualification, and the delivery process for the H125 helicopters destined for customers in India and the broader region.
The setup of the FAL is expected to span 24 months, with the initial deliveries of the ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters anticipated to commence in 2026. The precise location of the FAL will be collaboratively determined by Airbus and the Tata Group.
The H125, part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, stands out as the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, accumulating over 38 million flight hours globally. Renowned for its versatility, the H125 can adapt to diverse missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue operations, air ambulance services, passenger transport, and more. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the only helicopter to land on Mount Everest, showcasing its agility in high-altitude and extreme environments.
This collaboration signifies a major step forward in India’s aerospace sector, with the potential to boost both military and civil helicopter demands. Airbus, currently sourcing $750 million annually from India for its global supply chain, aims to double this figure to $1.5 billion by 2026, reflecting the country’s growing importance in the company’s operations.
