QUICK FACTS:
The News: Mahindra Aerospace Australia (MAAPL) has been officially liquidated after going into voluntary liquidation in July 2024. The Indian conglomerate received AUD 3.025 million (approximately USD 2 million) from the liquidation process.
The Investment: Mahindra acquired a 75.1% stake in Australian aircraft maker GippsAero and component manufacturer Aerostaff Australia in December 2009 for Rs 175 crore (about $38 million at the time), expecting to tap into the global aviation market.
The End: After shutting down manufacturing in 2020, selling the business back to original owner George Morgan in November 2023, MAAPL has now received its final de-registration certificate, completely exiting the aircraft business.
A 15-Year Journey That Never Took Off
When Mahindra Group, India's automotive giant, entered the Australian aircraft manufacturing business in 2009, it seemed like an ambitious but logical diversification. The company acquired GippsAero (Gippsland Aeronautics) and Aerostaff Australia, planning to manufacture 8- and 10-seater planes for the global market.
