Airbus Shortlists Indian Sites for New H125 Helicopter Assembly Facility

European aerospace giant Airbus has shortlisted eight Indian sites for the new final assembly line of its H125 helicopters. The facility is set to be operational by 2026, with the capacity to produce 10 helicopters annually initially. The move highlights India's potential in the helicopter market.

European aerospace giant Airbus has identified eight sites in India as potential locations for its latest H125 helicopter final assembly line, with a groundbreaking ceremony expected later this year.

Set to be the fourth FAL for the single-engine H125, this new facility aims to produce up to 10 helicopters annually, with plans to increase capacity based on market demand. "India is the market of the future for helicopters," said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President Global Business of Airbus Helicopters.

The facility is expected to be operational by 2026, with deliveries starting towards the end of that year. Airbus projects a demand of 500 H125 helicopters over the next 20 years in India and its neighboring countries. This strategic move is poised to significantly impact Airbus's global footprint and bolster the Indian aerospace ecosystem.

(With inputs from agencies.)