First in 60 years: Airbus board wraps-up meet in India; expansion in focus – The Times of India

Airbus’ board members completed their four-day visit to India on Thursday. India represents a crucial market for the aerospace company, as confirmed by an official, as quoted by PTI.The board conducted their first meeting in India since beginning operations here over 60 years ago during their visit, which commenced on September 29. They engaged in various activities during their stay.On Tuesday, Airbus board Chairman Rene Obermann had an meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, the official confirmed.The board visited manufacturing facilities of Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in Hyderabad and their supplier Dynamatic Technologies in Bengaluru.The delegation also had sessions with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.Goyal shared on X on Thursday about his discussions with Airbus board members, headed by Chairman Rene Obermann, regarding investments and related matters. “Also, encouraged their plans to further deepen collaboration and increase investments in India, a testament to the strength and potential of India’s aerospace sector,” he said.On September 30, Airbus and Air India revealed plans for a joint venture training centre in Haryana, investing over Rs 1,000 crore in simulators to train pilots for A320 and A350 aircraft.An Airbus spokesperson, quoted by PTI, stated on September 25 that the board’s visit represents a significant milestone, emphasising India’s importance as a critical hub for global operations. “We have already crossed the milestone of sourcing over $1.4 billion in components and services annually. We are on track to significantly increase that figure, as we continue to further integrate India into our global value chain,” the spokesperson said.The spokesperson noted Airbus’ expanding investments across India, from growing engineering and digital centres in Bengaluru to expanding industrial presence.Airbus maintains substantial involvement in India’s civil aviation and defence sectors, establishing two Final Assembly Lines: one for H125 helicopters and another for C295 military aircraft, both in partnership with TASL. The H125 FAL is under development in Vemagal, Karnataka, whilst the C295 FAL is being constructed in Vadodara, Gujarat.Additionally, IndiGo and Air India have collectively ordered more than 1,000 aircraft from Airbus.