Airbus, M&M in JV for trainer aircraft

Airbus Military today signed an initial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mahindra Group to set up a final assembly line for trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Training is currently underway at Jamnagar.

Airbus Military on Wednesday signed an initial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mahindra Group to set up a final assembly line for trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Training is currently underway at Jamnagar.

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MoUs had also been signed with some other Indian companies but the “final choice” was yet to be made, said Wladyslaw Skorski, vice-president and operations director, Airbus Military.

The tender is for 75 aircraft and the first 12 will be assembled in the facility of the country that wins the contract while the rest will be assembled in India.

The government had earlier this year cancelled a tender for purchasing six Airbus A-330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft produced by Airbus Military.

Airbus officials also expressed hope of initiating talks with New Delhi to see if it was interested in the A400M military air-lifter.

(The writer’s travel and stay was paid for by Airbus Military)