Airbus' C295 planes get quality approval from DGAQA

21 Oct 2022 , 08:18 AM

The C295 aircraft programme has been given the go-ahead by India’s aviation authority, according to aircraft manufacturer Airbus. In September, the Indian government agreed to pay Airbus Defence and Space Rs21,00 crore to purchase 56, C295 transport planes.

The European aviation major’s proposal to replace the Indian Air Force’s outdated Avro-748 aircraft received approval from the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).

As the first foreign original equipment manufacturer to receive such certification, Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft that are ready to fly within four years, with the remaining 40 being produced and assembled by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in India as part of a joint industrial venture.

For the first time ever, India has approved Airbus’ Defence and Space Quality Management System (QMS) for the C295 aircraft.

The DGAQA has never before authorised a foreign aircraft manufacturer’s quality management system, according to a statement.

At a ceremony held on the fringes of DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Kajetan von Mentzingen, Head of Quality for Airbus Defence and Space, received the certificate of certification from Director General of DGAQA Sanjay Chawla.

This is an important initial step in the lengthy quality assurance roadmap for the C295 “Make in India” programme that Airbus and DGAQA have agreed upon.

The establishment of an entire industrial ecosystem, from the production of parts to assembly, test, and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the total lifecycle of the aircraft, is essential to the manufacture of C295s in India.

The C295 can be utilised for logistical operations to places that current bigger aircraft cannot reach as well as for tactical transport of up to 71 infantry or 50 paratroopers.

For feedback and suggestions, write to us at [e-mail]