Airbus Fuels India's Ambitions for Commercial Aircraft Assembly

Airbus and India's Aerospace Ambitions

Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu has assured foreign airlines that India is ready for a final assembly line of commercial aircraft. Airbus will play a key role in the indigenous commercial aircraft ecosystem, as Minister Naidu emphasized during a recent conference organized by the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) in New Delhi.

Investment and Growth in Aviation Sector

• The French Aeronautical and Space Industries Group, or GIFAS, leads 60 aerospace and defense companies in India.
• Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury highlights a $1 billion investment in India's aviation over the last five years.
• Over 60 French companies are now established in India to support this growth.

Faury noted that India's aviation sector is experiencing tremendous growth, necessitating thousands of aircraft technicians, which Airbus intends to help develop.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Aviation

• Airbus is collaborating with Indian companies to develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• There are plans to align with India's green hydrogen mission.

As India's domestic air passenger traffic is expected to reach 300 million by 2030, the government is investing approximately $11 billion to enhance airport facilities. Minister Naidu confirmed that operational airports will rise to 200 by 2025, with an additional 200 planned for the next 20-25 years. Currently, India boasts 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes, highlighting the burgeoning aviation landscape.