Airbus’ H160 helicopter has been granted the letter of type acceptance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This marks a significant milestone for the chopper that will pave the way for its entry into the Indian market. India’s growing need for improved connectivity makes it an ideal helicopter country with significant potential for its modest fleet to grow.
Also read: Tata Group To Make ‘Best-Selling’ Airbus H125 Helicopters
From commercial passenger transport, offshore flying for the energy sector, emergency medical services to developing segments like aerial law enforcement and aerial works, helicopters will play a major role in the economic growth of India and contribute to nation building.
The Airbus H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety. This multi-role helicopter is capable of performing a wide range of missions.
These incluse offshore transportation, emergency medical services, private and business aviation and public services. The H160 has previously received certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“We are pleased to receive the DGCA type acceptance for the H160. This paves the way for the introduction of the world’s most modern helicopter in India starting with a corporate customer followed by the potential deployment for other types of missions.
Airbus Helicopters is committed to developing a holistic helicopter ecosystem in India including bringing the most advanced helicopter platforms to India, developing local MRO capabilities and, as we announced in January this year, by starting to produce helicopters in India,” said Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters, Airbus India and South Asia.
Recently, Airbus Helicopters partnered with Tata Group to manufacture its Airbus H125 helicopters in India, giving a boost to ‘Make in India’. The French and Indian brands will establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in the country and will make its best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and export to some of the neighbouring countries.
This is also the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility in India. Under this partnership, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group, will set up the facility along with Airbus Helicopters.