French aerospace company Airbus has signed a contract with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Mahindra Aerospace Structures Private Limited (MASPL) at the opening ceremony of Wings India 2024. The contract states that TASL and Mahindra Aero Structures will manufacture metallic parts, components, and assemblies for Airbus’ A320neo, A330neo, and A350 programs.
Both TASL and Mahindra Aero Structures are among the 100 Indian suppliers that already provide components, engineering, and digital services for various Airbus programs. Airbus has made “Make in India” a priority in its strategy in the country. The company aims to support the growth of the Indian commercial fleet and develop the aerospace ecosystem by strengthening manufacturing and engineering capabilities with Indian partners.
Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, expressed that Tata Advanced Systems and Mahindra Aero Structures are already contributing to their aircraft programs, and the latest contracts will further enhance their cooperation.
India is a strategic resource hub for Airbus, where the company is expanding its industrial footprint. They are involved in aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering design and development, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training, and academic collaboration to foster human capital. Every Airbus commercial aircraft includes components and technologies made in India.
Airbus currently procures components and services worth about US$750 million annually, and the new contracts will significantly increase this amount. The company’s efforts to develop the Indian aerospace ecosystem also include building a final assembly line for the C295 military aircraft in Vadodara under an industrial contract with TASL, as well as training commercial pilots and maintenance crew.
