Mission with Multiple Objectives

The Airvan, unveiled by Mahindra Aerospace on June 26, is the first aircraft manufactured in Australia to circumnavigate the world

On June 26, 2010, a GA8-TC Airvan, a single engine aircraft from Gippsland Aeronautics, a reputed aircraft manufacturer in Australia, was unveiled by Mahindra Aerospace to the media and others at the hangar of the National Aeronautical Laboratories (NAL) located at HAL Airport, Bengaluru.

Mahindra Aerospace, an AS 9100 certified company, is the aircraft and aero-structure manufacturing division of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and has decades of experience in global aerospace design and development programmes. The company combines this experience with knowledge of aerospace regulations and familiarity with operational environments to provide timely, accurate, cutting-edge technical products to customers. It offers a wide range of services ranging from conceptual design to production of aerospace components, aero-structures and complete aircraft.

In December 2009, Mahindra Aerospace bought majority stakes worth Rs. 175 crore in two Australian aerospace firms, aircraft manufacturer Gippsland Aeronautics (GA) and Aerostaff Australia that manufactures sheet metal components and assemblies for global aerospace majors. GA is already a reputed brand in General Aviation catering to a range of requirements of aircraft such as for crop dusting, disaster relief and air cargo. GA has so far delivered over 250 FAR 23 certified aeroplanes in 38 countries.

These acquisitions have heralded Mahindra’s entry into the aerospace market which will open up opportunities for Mahindra Aerospace not only in the commercial aviation segment but also in the lucrative defence offset regime. According to the estimates by the company, business opportunities in the aerospace market could be in the region of $5 billion (Rs. 23,000 crore). Mahindra Aerospace plans to use GA’s facilities in Australia to manufacture 8-, 10- and 14-seat turboprop aircraft, those in the assessment of the company would be economical and cost-effective on short hauls. At the unveiling ceremony, the company announced its intention to “become a significant player in the market for small turboprop aircraft.” As per Anand Mahindra, the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group, the aim of the company is to become the Indian equivalent of Embraer, the renowned aircraft manufacturer in Brazil.