From rotary to fixed wing - Pawan Hans aims at scheduled airline status

New Delhi/Mumbai: State-owned Pawan Hans, the country's largest helicopter operator, has been granted a no-objection certificate from the ministry of civil aviation to start operations as a scheduled airline. The clearance will allow Pawan Hans to apply for a licence from the Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA).

According to Pawan Hans sources, the company plans to operate small aircraft in far-flung areas that are not so well connected with the rest of the country, such as the North-East. It would also look at acquiring seaplanes for operations in areas such as the Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshwadeep and Goa. The company already operates its helicopters in these areas.

Formed in 1985, Pawan Hans provides helicopter services to the petroleum sector and also operates charters for the tourism sector. While the ONGC utilizes its services for operations at the Bombay High, other PSUs, such as GAIL, use it's services for pipeline surveillance.

The company also provides services, such as VIP charter operations, transportation of casualties during rescue operations and inter-island transportation in areas such as Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshwadeep.

The company currently operates a fleet of around 40 helicopters.