In an ambitious expansion, Airbus announced plans to scale up its operations in India, projecting over 5,000 direct employees and targeting $2 billion in sourcing from India over the next few years. Remi Maillard, President of Airbus India and Managing Director of South Asia, shared these goals during the inauguration of the Airbus India and South Asia Headquarters and Training Centre in New Delhi.
Growth in Sourcing and Employment
Airbus currently sources services and components valued at 1 billion euros from India and employs 3,500 people directly. With the planned growth, Airbus will boost its sourcing to $2 billion by capitalizing on India’s manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce. The company’s direct employment in India is also expected to exceed 5,000 in the coming years.
New Training Facilities and Manufacturing Ventures
To meet expanding training needs, Airbus will establish a second pilot training center through a joint venture with Air India, coupled with a major new campus in Bengaluru accommodating 5,000 employees. Additionally, Airbus is strengthening its Indian presence by producing the C295 military aircraft and the H125 helicopter in partnership with Tata Group, marking a significant step toward localized defense production.
Pioneering Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Make-in-India Defense Initiatives
Airbus is also collaborating with Indian research bodies to develop India’s first domestically produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The “Make-in-India” initiative remains at the core of Airbus’s strategy, highlighted by the C295 program—the first privately manufactured aircraft in India. Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, indicated that Airbus is prepared to replicate this success for India’s future defense modernization projects, specifically mentioning the A400M medium transport aircraft as a candidate for full-scale production in India.
Conclusion
Airbus’s expansive plans underscore India’s growing significance in its global strategy. Through increased employment, higher sourcing, training collaborations, and localized aircraft production, Airbus is set to contribute significantly to India’s aerospace and defense sectors.
