Airbus Taps Mahindra to Build H130 Helicopter Fuselage in India

15 Apr 2025 CW Team

Under the agreement, MASPL will produce the fuselage assemblies at its facility in Karnataka, with the first units scheduled for delivery by March 2027. Once completed, these assemblies will be shipped to Airbus Helicopters’ production lines in Europe.

The H130 is a versatile single-engine helicopter used across various sectors, including passenger transport, tourism, medical evacuation, surveillance, and business aviation. With seating for up to seven passengers plus the pilot, the aircraft is known for its spacious cabin and high-visibility wrap-around windscreen.

Airbus’ decision to partner with MASPL reflects growing confidence in India’s industrial ecosystem and the competitiveness of its aerospace supply chain. The company’s annual procurement from India currently stands at $1.4 billion, with Indian-made parts featured in every Airbus commercial aircraft globally.

Mahindra Aerostructures, part of the Mahindra Group, is already a supplier for Airbus’ commercial aircraft programmes. This contract expands MASPL’s role to include larger and more complex aerostructures, strengthening its footprint in the global aerospace market.

The signing was attended by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airbus India & South Asia President Rémi Maillard, and Mahindra Group CEO Dr Anish Shah.

The partnership is expected to accelerate the growth of India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, introduce advanced technologies, and create new employment opportunities—reinforcing India’s position as a critical partner in the global aviation landscape.

Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. (MASPL) to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of the H130 light single-engine helicopter in India. The agreement marks a major milestone for the country’s aerospace industry and aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. Under the agreement, MASPL will produce the fuselage assemblies at its facility in Karnataka, with the first units scheduled for delivery by March 2027. Once completed, these assemblies will be shipped to Airbus Helicopters’ production lines in Europe. The H130 is a versatile single-engine helicopter used across various sectors, including passenger transport, tourism, medical evacuation, surveillance, and business aviation. With seating for up to seven passengers plus the pilot, the aircraft is known for its spacious cabin and high-visibility wrap-around windscreen. Airbus’ decision to partner with MASPL reflects growing confidence in India’s industrial ecosystem and the competitiveness of its aerospace supply chain. The company’s annual procurement from India currently stands at $1.4 billion, with Indian-made parts featured in every Airbus commercial aircraft globally. Mahindra Aerostructures, part of the Mahindra Group, is already a supplier for Airbus’ commercial aircraft programmes. This contract expands MASPL’s role to include larger and more complex aerostructures, strengthening its footprint in the global aerospace market. The signing was attended by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airbus India & South Asia President Rémi Maillard, and Mahindra Group CEO Dr Anish Shah. The partnership is expected to accelerate the growth of India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, introduce advanced technologies, and create new employment opportunities—reinforcing India’s position as a critical partner in the global aviation landscape.

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