Airbus in talks with IAF for sale of C295 airlifter

Airbus is in talks with the Indian Air Force for sale of its military transport aircraft, C295.
If Airbus wins the order, India will be the sole manufacturing base for the C295, the aircraft-maker’s President and Managing Director for India and South Asia Anand Stanley told a news conference here.
Airbus has bid along with the Tatas for the replacement of the Indian Air Force’ ageing Avro Hawker Siddeley HS748 fleet. The IAF wants to buy 50 such aircraft and sources say that the Defence Ministry may be keen on shortlisting the C295.
The Airbus C295 is a new generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment. It conducts multi-role operations under all weather conditions and can operate day and night in combat missions It has a total order book of 208 aircraft, of which 169 have been delivered so far.
“We do not know the timeline as to when the orders will be placed. But we are committed to the process, the integrity of the process,” Stanley said. He said it will create 2,000 new jobs and 8,000 more in the supply chain.

Tie-up with Mahindras

Airbus is also partnering with the Mahindras for a helicopter order from the Navy to replace Chetak. The Indian Navy wants to acquire 111 utility helicopters and Airbus has recently received the expression of interest for ahead of the order.
It is targeting the Naval Utility helicopter and the naval multirole helicopter acquisition programmes. In India, Airbus helicopters have more than 40 per cent market share. Currently, there are more than 100 Airbus helicopters, including platforms such as H125, H130, H135 and Dauphin in use by several operators in the oil and gas, commercial and business aviation segments.

thehindubusinessline