Indian national helicopter firm Pawan Hans has ambitious plans for fleet growth and intends to order up to 20 helicopters in 2014.
Executives at India’s state-owned helicopter operator made the disclosure at the Indian Aviation show in Hyderabad. The company now operates 47 rotorcraft, according to its website.
It is likely to confine its orders to types it already operates, such as the Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin, and Russian Helicopters Mil Mi-17. It is also considering the Bell 429.
One executive says that most of the company’s business comes from offshore oilfield support. He says Pawan Hans is the only company in India that can provide emergency medical services to offshore oil platforms at night.
Source: Flight International
