Mahindra Aerostructures Private Limited has secured a major contract with Airbus Helicopters to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of the H130 light single-engine helicopter. The agreement was formalized in New Delhi, with key figures including Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, Airbus India and South Asia President Rémi Maillard, and Mahindra Group CEO Dr Anish Shah.
As part of the agreement, Mahindra will produce the H130’s main fuselage assembly at its Indian facilities and ship the completed units to Airbus Helicopters’ European production sites. Production work will begin immediately, with the first cabin assembly scheduled for delivery by March 2027.
Dr Anish Shah, CEO of Mahindra Group, expressed excitement about the expanded collaboration, stating, “This contract strengthens our long-standing partnership with Airbus and underscores our commitment to the Indian government’s Make in India initiative.”
Airbus India President, Rémi Maillard, highlighted the importance of the deal, emphasizing the Indian supply chain’s growing industrial capabilities and the country’s competitive advantage in the aerospace sector.
This contract marks a significant growth opportunity for Mahindra, as the company transitions from producing parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus commercial aircraft to manufacturing more complex and larger aerostructures. For Airbus, this agreement further solidifies its relationship with India, a key market and a hub for strategic sourcing.
The company currently sources $1.4 billion in components and services annually from India, with every Airbus commercial aircraft incorporating Indian-made parts and technologies. The H130 helicopter, designed for various applications such as passenger transport, tourism, medical airlift, and surveillance, boasts a spacious cabin that accommodates up to seven passengers plus a pilot, with enhanced visibility provided by a large wrap-around windscreen.
Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group employs 260,000 people across more than 100 countries. It is renowned for its leadership in farm equipment, utility vehicles, IT, financial services, and is the world’s largest tractor manufacturer by volume. Additionally, Mahindra has a significant presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate.
