Airbus to open helicopter assembly line in India 

The logo of Airbus is seen at the Milipol Paris, the worldwide exhibition dedicated to homeland security and safety, in Villepinte near Paris, France, on November 15, 2023. (REUTERS/File)
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Updated 26 January 2024
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Airbus to open helicopter assembly line in India 

  • The deal was announced during two-day visit to India by French President Emmanuel Macron 
  • Airbus said the facility would be the first such operation to be run by a private group in India 

PARIS: Airbus will build a helicopter assembly line in India with Indian conglomerate Tata, the European aircraft manufacturer said Friday. 

The deal was announced during a two-day visit to India by French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Airbus said the facility — which will take two years to set up — would be the first such operation to be run by a private group in India. 

It will assemble and test the major components of the H125 Ecureuil helicopter, and deliver the helicopter to customers in India and neighboring countries. 

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said making the helicopter in India would “unlock the true potential of the helicopter market in the country.” 

The H125 is a light civilian helicopter which can transport up to six people. 

In 2021, Airbus decided to set up an assembly line for C295 military transport aircraft in the western Indian state of Gujurat, also together with Tata. 

Macron has pushed for greater French involvement in the Asia-Pacific at a time when Washington and its Western allies are courting India as a military and economic counterweight to China. 


King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025

Updated 02 January 2026
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King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has achieved a new historical milestone, reaching 53.4 million passengers in a single year.

This is the highest number ever recorded at a Saudi airport since the beginning of air travel in the Kingdom, placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger traffic, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The airport handled a total of 310,000 flights and 60.4 million bags, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. It also handled 9.57 million Zamzam water containers and 2,968 cargo flights. 

This achievement reflects the airport’s qualitative transformation and its position as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also highlights its role in facilitating the movement of visitors and pilgrims, promoting tourism in line with the goals of Vision 2030, diversifying the economy, and providing a distinguished travel experience. 

For his part, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers confirms the airport’s high operational readiness and represents a pivotal milestone for moving to the next phase, in preparation for doubling this number, God willing, in the coming years. 

He pointed out that this national achievement would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, followed by the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous follow-up from the minister of transport and logistics, the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the CEO of Airports Holding Co. 

He explained that King Abdulaziz International Airport is strengthening its position as a major aviation hub in the region through expansions, increased capacity, and improved services, supporting the objectives of the aviation program and aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. 

The CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various government and private sectors for their fruitful cooperation through a collaborative work system that contributed to providing the best services.