Airbus Deepens India Ties with $1 Billion Sourcing and New R&D Hub

In a strategic move that underscores India’s growing clout in global aerospace manufacturing, European aviation giant Airbus is now sourcing over $1 billion worth of components annually from more than 100 Indian suppliers, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The announcement followed Vaishnaw’s meeting with Jürgen Westermeier, Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, where the company also revealed plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for Research and Development at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Vadodara, Gujarat.

“With strong design capabilities, Airbus will soon set up an R&D Centre of Excellence at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya,” — Ashwini Vaishnaw

Bengaluru: Digital Backbone of Airbus

• Airbus’ Digital Centre in Bengaluru is now its second-largest globally, after Toulouse.
• It employs over 1,500 skilled IT professionals supporting digital transformation across divisions.
• Since 2018, Airbus has operated a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India for engineering, maintenance, and IT services.

Academic Collaboration and Talent Development

• Airbus signed an MoU with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in 2023.
• Focus areas include co-developing curricula, industrial training, and international academic partnerships.
• Goal: Build a pipeline of aerospace-ready talent and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.

Strategic Implications

• Airbus has over 3,600 employees across India.
• Its supplier network reflects India’s strength in cost-effective manufacturing, engineering talent, and digital capabilities.
• This expansion aligns with India’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.