Global players confident in aero component manufacturing potential of Indian industry: Minister Naidu

K Rammohan Naidu, Minister for Civil Aviation ANI
| Photo Credit:
ANI

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday said global players like Airbus have shown confidence in the potential of Indian industry in the field of aircraft component manufacturing.

Minister Naidu was speaking at an event in New Delhi to mark the signing ceremony for the H130 helicopter fuselage manufacturing contract between Airbus and Mahindra Aerostructures.

The H130 is an intermediate single-engine helicopter tailored for passenger transport, tourism and private and business aviation, as well as medical airlift and surveillance missions.

In his address, Naidu stated, “I think this contract for the manufacturing and assembly of the H130 helicopter fuselage is a testament to the confidence global players like Airbus have in the potential of Indian industry… And today, we are setting a new benchmark for aircraft component manufacturing.”

Besides, the minister acknowledged the exemplary contribution of Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) and start-ups, which supply over $2 billion worth of aircraft components annually to global OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Airbus and Boeing.

The event assumes significance since it builds on the momentum from a February 2025 meeting chaired by the minister, focusing on accelerating aircraft component manufacturing in India.

According to Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, the H130 fuselage contract will not only bring cutting-edge technologies and jobs to India but also catalyse the development of domestic MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operation) capabilities and a robust manufacturing base.

On its part, Airbus said that India is both a major market and a strategic resource hub.

The aerospace major cited that every Airbus commercial aircraft has components and technologies made in India.

Currently, Airbus’ annual procurement of components and services from India stands at $1.4 billion.

Published on April 9, 2025