Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters have joined forces to set up a helicopter assembly line in India. This new facility will be dedicated to assembling the popular Airbus H125 helicopter. This is the first time a private company in India will handle the assembly of helicopters locally.
The announcement of this new Final Assembly Line (FAL) was made earlier this year on January 26 by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran. The official contract was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2024.
The FAL will be responsible for several important tasks. It will handle the installation of electrical systems, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, and other crucial components of the H125 helicopter. Additionally, the FAL will be in charge of testing and certifying the helicopters before they are delivered.
Sukaran Singh, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TASL, expressed excitement about this collaboration. He noted that this project supports India’s “Make in India” initiative and addresses the growing demand for helicopters in the region. The establishment of this assembly line will boost India’s helicopter manufacturing capabilities and support the expansion of civil aviation in the country.
Helicopters produced at this new facility will be available to customers in India and neighboring countries. The first batch of ‘Made in India’ H125 helicopters is expected to be delivered starting in 2026. The exact location of the new assembly line will be announced soon.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, highlighted India’s potential for the helicopter market. He believes that locally assembling the H125 will help unlock new opportunities in civil and public service sectors, such as emergency medical services and other critical public services. This partnership with the Tata Group, which already has a strong relationship with Airbus, is seen as a significant step forward.
The Airbus H125 is known for its high performance and versatility. It is the best-selling single-engine helicopter in the world and is a part of the Ecureuil family of helicopters, which has logged over 40 million flight hours globally. The H125 is capable of operating in extreme conditions, including high altitudes, and can be used for various missions like aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, and passenger transport. It is also noted for being the only helicopter to have landed on Mount Everest, showcasing its exceptional capabilities in challenging environments.
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