Airbus Helicopters and Tata Group Scout for Assembly Line Location in India

Airbus Helicopters has announced its collaboration with the Tata Group to pinpoint a location for a new helicopter final assembly line (FAL) in India, marking a significant step towards enhancing indigenous manufacturing capabilities. During the unveiling of its H145 helicopter for the domestic energy offshore sector, Airbus Helicopters India and South Asia chief, Sunny Guglani, highlighted the mature nature of this segment and expressed optimism about its prospects. The launch event also celebrated the partnership with Heligo Charters, an off and on-shore helicopter services provider, showcasing the H145 helicopter's introduction to the Indian market.

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In January, Airbus Helicopters revealed plans to establish a FAL in India in cooperation with the Tata Group, aiming to bolster local manufacturing. The exact location of this facility is currently being determined jointly by Airbus and Tata Group. Guglani shared insights into the initial steps of this ambitious project, including location scouting and planning for the factory's setup. He anticipates that three helicopters will be produced at this facility in 2026, with production numbers expected to increase thereafter.

This venture will see Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, setting up the facility alongside Airbus Helicopters. This initiative marks the second FAL that Airbus will establish in India, following the Make in India C295 military aircraft manufacturing facility in Gujarat. The new FAL will focus on producing Airbus H125 helicopters from its civil range, targeting both the Indian market and exports to neighboring countries.

The establishment of this FAL represents a pioneering move by a private sector entity into helicopter manufacturing in India. The facility will handle various critical manufacturing processes, including integration of major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems installation, as well as testing, qualification, and delivery of the H125 to customers in India and the region. The H125 is touted as a versatile aircraft capable of transforming passenger and goods transportation across multiple sectors such as emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism, and aerial work missions.

Airbus Helicopters also highlighted the H125's potential contribution to the central government's regional connectivity scheme UDAN, aiming to enhance tourism and provide last-mile connectivity to remote areas. The entry of H145 into offshore operations follows a comprehensive service contract signed earlier this year between Heligo Charters Pvt Ltd (HCPL) and Airbus for six H145 helicopters. These helicopters will be deployed for transporting personnel and materials for the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to offshore locations.

The deployment of the first H145 helicopter for offshore transportation marks a significant milestone for Airbus in India's energy industry. Guglani emphasized that Heligo Charters has become the launch customer for H145 in India's oil and gas operations. The compact size and flexible cabin of the H145 make it ideal for maneuvering in complex environments like oil and gas helidecks. Its technological superiority and reliability are expected to enhance operational efficiency significantly.

Nayan Jagjeevan, Chairman and Managing Director of HCPL, expressed confidence in the selection of the five-bladed H145 for offshore operations, underscoring a joint commitment by HCPL and Airbus to deliver excellence in safety and operational efficiency to India's offshore sector.