Mumbai, Nov. 9 -- Airbus plans to increase its annual sourcing of components and services from India to USD 2 bn before 2030, as it expands its presence in one of the world's fastest-growing civil aviation markets. The company currently procures goods and services worth USD 1.6 bn annually from Indian suppliers.
Airbus President and Managing Director for India and South Asia, Jurgen Westermeier, said around 15 per cent of the company's annual production was targeted at India. The plan involves moving beyond detailed parts to complex aerostructure assemblies, advanced digital avionics, and design and development activities.
The company is also examining the sourcing of processed titanium, aluminium alloys and composite materials from India. Airbus considers the country an important market, with nearly 600 of its commercial aircraft already operating locally and domestic airlines having about 1,200 Airbus aircraft on order.
Westermeier said the development of India's aviation ecosystem would need to keep pace with fleet expansion. Airbus is seeking improvements in maintenance, repair and overhaul infrastructure, commonly known as MRO, while also supporting efforts to address shortages of trained pilots, engineers and certified aircraft technicians.
Airbus has invested in several pilot training centres in India, with an installed capacity of 14 Full Flight Simulators, including systems for wide-body aircraft. The company also has two final assembly lines in the country, producing C295 transport aircraft and H125 helicopters.
India's commercial aircraft fleet, currently estimated at about 800 aircraft, is projected to grow substantially over the coming years. Airbus forecast in January that the fleet would triple to 2,250 aircraft over the next decade, increasing demand for aircraft, maintenance services, technical expertise and related industrial capabilities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.