Airbus and the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate increased collaboration in developing education programmes to foster talent development in the Indian aerospace sector.
The MoU was signed on September 1, 2023 between Prof. Abhay Karandikar, then Director IIT Kanpur, and Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia. Under the collaboration, both entities will promote research in advanced technologies and develop programmes and activities to enhance technical capabilities for aerospace students in India. Both organisations will also explore collaboration opportunities with global institutes where students will get to work on projects relevant to the sector. The partnership aims to build a collaborative culture that provides mentorship, exposure and invaluable experience to the students of IIT Kanpur. The synergies created through these cross-skilling opportunities will foster the growth of the aerospace industry in the country.
Speaking at the signing, Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia, said, “At Airbus we are firmly committed to developing the aerospace ecosystem in India. We continue to invest in education and skill development that will help in the creation of a competent workforce in the country. This MoU will harness Airbus’ expertise and IIT Kanpur’s capabilities in education, research and training to nurture the next generation of technology leaders and will unlock the potential of the fast-evolving aerospace landscape in the country.”
Prof. S. Ganesh, Officiating Director, IIT Kanpur, stated, “IIT Kanpur has been relentlessly pursuing its vision to support innovation, research, and entrepreneurial activities in technology-based fields, and Aerospace is one of the key thrust areas in this endeavor. This collaboration with Airbus Group indeed is a significant step. The collaboration is certain to enhance the industry experience of aerospace engineering students at the institute. With our Aerospace Department covering an expansive array of research and development in the field we look forward to a mutually fulfilling engagement”.
Prof. G. M. Kamath, Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, mentioned, “The aerospace engineering department of IIT Kanpur has historically been at the forefront with regard to building strong industry-academia connections, and leveraging our research to train our students to be more industry-ready. We are confident that this MOU will lead to impactful outcomes for not only Airbus and IIT Kanpur, but also for the aerospace ecosystem of India at large.”
For Airbus, India is not just a market but a strategic resource hub. The company is expanding its industrial footprint, including aircraft assembly, manufacturing and design, as well as developing training and academic collaboration to mature all the building blocks required for an integrated aerospace ecosystem in the country. Airbus’ local footprint in sourcing, engineering, innovation, maintenance and training services is a testament to its commitment to develop India’s aerospace ecosystem. The C295 Final Assembly Line being built in Vadodara is another example of this commitment as it is the first ‘Make in India’ aerospace programme in the private sector that involves the development of a complete industrial ecosystem in the country.