Pawan Hans Helicopters is in talks with the Indian Government to link remote north-eastern states with a helicopter service.
The proposal includes purchasing new helicopters and taking over emergency air-services from the Indian air force in the north-eastern state of Arunanchal Pradesh.
The proposed service, initiated at the behest of the Indian home ministry, would link the north-eastern states of Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. The Gov- ernment is believed to be in the last stages of clearance of the project.
Negotiations are also under way with the Arunanchal Pradesh state government to transfer emergency services to Pawan Hans. This will involve phasing out large numbers of Indian air force helicopters and replacing them with Pawan's fleet.
The air force operation involves emergency helicopter services for distribution of essential foodstuffs, besides other needs of the state government.
If the scheme is approved, the state-owned charter operator, which has a fleet of some 25 helicopters, would acquire four heavy helicopters and two lighter machines. The Mil Mi-172 is understood to be the front runner for the heavy requirement, while the choice for the lighter helicopter is between the Bell 407 and the Eurocopter AS350B2 Ecureuil.
Source: Flight International