Mahindra Aerospace, Eurocopter ink MoU

NEW DELHI: The Mahindra Group's aerospace division on Tuesday decided to join hands with premier chopper firm Eurocopter to manufacture sub-assemblies and other engineering products for the growing helicopter market in India.

An MoU to this effect was signed by Mahindra Aerospace and Mahindra Satyam in Mumbai for a trade partnership with the Eurocopter Group and its subsidiary Eurocopter India.

The partnership would focus on manufacturing of sub- assemblies, engineering and customisation of civil helicopters and the joint development of specific market segments, a company statement here said, adding that details of the scope and structure of the partnership would be decided in the coming months.

Noting that Mahindra group was known for "great engineering and manufacturing competencies", Eurocopter President and CEO Lutz Bertling said, "The synergies between our two companies will enhance our contributions to the Indian civil helicopter market."

Mahindra Aerospace Chairman Hemant Luthra was quoted as saying that the partnership with Eurocopter "has a solid, long term strategy for the growth of the India market, while we are already creating a niche for ourselves in the fixed-wing aircraft and aerostructures manufacturing space."

Mahindra Satyam CEO C P Gurnani said his company was providing IT and engineering services to the aerospace sector, particularly to plane manufacturer Airbus for several years.

Significantly, Anand Mahindra, the group's Vice Chairman and Managing Director, had quit Air India Board in March citing 'conflict of interest' saying his company would be associating itself with the aviation industry.