The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed an MoU for financing the purchase of Airbus' helicopters in India. Under the MoU, both Airbus Helicopters and SIDBI will identify potential civil helicopter operators that are interested in financing solutions for purchasing Airbus Helicopters. Airbus will provide the technical and helicopter industry knowledge to SIDBI who will evaluate these prospects and finance them exclusively for Airbus.

"The MoU with SIDBI opens a new chapter in making civil helicopters more accessible to operators in India, which will further position these rotary wing aircraft as a critical tool for nation building. Combining our unmatched product portfolio and industry expertise with SIDBI's attractive financing solutions will play a pivotal role in the expansion of the civil helicopter market in India," says Sunny Guglani, head of Airbus Helicopters, India and south Asia.

SIDBI chief general manager Rahul Priyadarshi adds: "This is a new area for financing to helicopter operators by SIDBI and is expected to open new avenues for financing MSMEs related to this segment."

SIDBI is mandated to serve as the Principal Financial Institution for executing the promotion, financing and development of the micro, small and medium enterprise sector. It aims to meet the financial and developmental needs of the sector to make it strong, vibrant and globally competitive, and to enhance share-holder wealth and the highest corporate values through a modern technology platform.