New Delhi, April 9, 2025 – In a significant boost to India’s aerospace ambitions, Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. (MASPL) has been awarded a major contract by Airbus Helicopters to manufacture the main fuselage of the H130 helicopter. This collaboration marks a proud moment for the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and reinforces Mahindra’s reputation as a world-class aerospace manufacturing partner.

A Strategic Partnership with Global Impact

This milestone contract positions Mahindra Aerostructures at the forefront of the global aerospace supply chain. The agreement was signed in the presence of several dignitaries, including:

Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India
Shri. Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation
Rémi Maillard, President and MD of Airbus in India and South Asia
Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and MD of the Mahindra Group

Under the agreement, Mahindra will manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of the H130, a high-performance, single-engine helicopter. The fuselages will be delivered to Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Europe, with the first delivery scheduled for March 2027.

Strengthening the ‘Make in India’ Vision

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, expressed his pride in the collaboration, stating:

“We are delighted to deepen our longstanding partnership with Airbus through this pivotal aerostructures contract. This project builds on our proven track record and underlines our commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ program.”

This partnership is not new—Mahindra already supplies various parts and sub-assemblies for Airbus’ commercial aircraft. However, this new contract represents a major leap in capabilities, moving from smaller components to full-scale, complex aerostructures.

Airbus Backs India’s Aerospace Excellence

Airbus sees India as a crucial partner not just for business, but for building an integrated aerospace ecosystem. Commenting on the collaboration, Rémi Maillard, President and MD of Airbus in India and South Asia, said:

“The H130 fuselage manufacturing contract underscores Airbus’ confidence in the growing industrial excellence of the Indian supply chain. Mahindra brings the right mix of competencies and competitiveness that we value.”

Currently, Airbus sources $1.4 billion worth of components and services annually from India, and every Airbus commercial aircraft includes parts made in India—a testament to the country’s growing stature in global aerospace manufacturing.

About the Airbus H130 Helicopter

The H130 is a versatile, single-engine helicopter designed for:

Passenger transport
Business and private aviation
Tourism
Medical evacuation
Surveillance and law enforcement

With its wide, unobstructed cabin and advanced avionics, the H130 can carry up to seven passengers and a pilot, offering excellent visibility and a quiet, smooth ride. Its design features cutting-edge materials and systems, making it one of the most reliable helicopters in its class.

What This Means for India

This partnership is more than just a contract—it’s a symbol of trust in Indian engineering and manufacturing. It highlights India’s capability to deliver high-precision, safety-critical aerospace components that meet stringent global standards.

As the aerospace sector in India continues to expand, collaborations like this not only create jobs and boost exports but also position India as a key global aerospace hub.

Final Thoughts

The Mahindra-Airbus collaboration on the H130 helicopter fuselage is a shining example of how Indian companies are scaling up to deliver world-class aerospace solutions. With deliveries starting in March 2027, this is just the beginning of an exciting chapter for India’s aviation industry and its role in the global aerospace value chain.

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