India Airbus C295 Programme Receives Approval for Local Production
In a significant advancement for the ‘Make in India’ C295 programme, Airbus Defence and Space has achieved a major milestone as its Quality Management System (QMS) for the C295 aircraft garnered approval from the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), the Indian regulatory authority. This approval authorizes the production of detailed parts and sub-assemblies in India, marking a pivotal moment for indigenous aerospace manufacturing.
Under this approval, Airbus Defence and Space, in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), will commence the production of detailed parts and sub-assemblies at various locations across India. The formal handover of the certificate of approval took place on February 12, 2024, with Sanjay Chawla, Director General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance, presenting the certificate to Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, and Masood Hussainy, Head of Aerostructures and Aeroengines at Tata Advanced Systems Limited, at the C295 Main Components Assembly facility in Hyderabad.
Jorge Tamarit Degenhardt, VP – Head of C295 India Programme, Airbus Defence and Space, remarked, “This certification underscores the unwavering trust and confidence of DGAQA in Airbus quality standards. All detailed parts for the C295 will be manufactured in India, adhering to stringent Airbus quality norms. We are committed to fostering a robust partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to implement a comprehensive quality framework, ensuring the success of aircraft manufacturing in India for the C295 ‘Make in India’ programme under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
The Indian Air Force (IAF) formalized the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft in September 2021, aimed at replacing the legacy AVRO fleet. As per the contractual agreement, Airbus will deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in India, marking a significant stride towards indigenous aerospace capabilities.
The first C295 aircraft was delivered to the Indian Air Force in September 2023. This certification is an integral part of the programme, signifying the development of a complete industrial ecosystem encompassing the production, assembly, testing, delivery, and maintenance of the aircraft’s complete lifecycle.