TOULOUSE- European plane maker, Airbus has chosen eight potential locations for its second final assembly line (FAL), which will make H125 helicopters in India. This move comes shortly before the launch of their first facility, which will produce C295 transport planes.
Airbus plans to team up with Tata Advanced Systems for this venture. The new plant will focus on making H125 helicopters. It will join existing factories in France, Brazil, and the US. The Indian facility aims to build about 10 helicopters yearly, with the first one expected in early 2026.
Airbus H125 Assembly Line
The company sees great potential in the Indian market. They predict a demand for around 500 helicopters in the Indian subcontinent, excluding Pakistan, over the next two decades. The H125 model is priced at 3.2 million Euros (30 crore Indian rupees).
Olivier Michalon, an executive at Airbus Helicopters, explained the benefits of the new plant. He said it would boost competitiveness by reducing lead and delivery times. The facility will also help meet the growing demand in India and nearby countries.
Michalon draws a parallel between the H125 and the popular Airbus A320 aircraft. He expects the helicopter to achieve similar success in India as the A320 has with Indian airlines. “H125 is our A320,” Michalon stated, highlighting the model’s importance to their strategy.
Airbus plans to model its new Indian facility after its French counterpart. The plant will receive key components, including engines, from France, Germany, and Spain. The company hasn’t disclosed investment details or employment figures for the new site.
In Brazil, Airbus’s similar facility produces about 10 helicopters and employs roughly 500 workers, with additional units. Last year, Airbus sold 10 H125 helicopters in India, according to Sunny Guglani, who leads Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia.
Tata is developing a robust aerospace ecosystem in Vadodara, where Airbus’s first assembly line for the Indian Air Force’s C295 transport aircraft nears completion. However, Olivier Michalon, an Airbus executive, didn’t confirm if Vadodara is among the eight potential sites for the new helicopter plant.
Michalon stated, “We’re finalizing our assessment of the locations. We’ll announce the H125 production site in India soon.” He outlined key factors guiding the decision: employee appeal, industrial suitability, and logistics infrastructure.
Robust Growth in China and India
Airbus expands its footprint in India and China, targeting robust aviation growth in these markets. The company opened its first Chinese assembly line in 2008, producing A320 passenger jets priced at around 350 crore rupees each. Last year, Airbus announced plans for a second Chinese assembly line, despite China’s push to sell its own A320-like Comac C919.
Chinese airlines have ordered 357 Airbus planes, with China Eastern (MU) leading at 100 orders. In contrast, Indian carriers have placed orders for 1,216 Airbus aircraft. IndiGo Airlines (6E) tops the list with 972 orders, followed by Air India (AI) with 244.
India actively encourages both Airbus and Boeing to establish local assembly lines. Airbus has already committed to two such facilities in India, while Boeing has yet to make a decision.
This expansion strategy reflects Airbus’s recognition of India’s growing importance in the global aviation market.
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