The Hindu Business Line : `Pawan Hans plans to increase fleet, launch sea planes'

New Delhi May 11 The State-owned Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL) plans to induct more helicopters soon, according to the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Praful Patel.

"We have asked Pawan Hans to examine the possibility of inducting more helicopters and also look at the option of inducting sea planes," the Minister said.

Currently, Pawan Hans has a fleet of 33 helicopters which includes 17 Dauphin SA365N, six Dauphin As 365N3, four Bell 407, three Bell 206L4, two Mi-172 and one Robinson R-44.

Expansion process

The proposed induction is likely to help the company expand its presence in the country.

PHHL, which has already provided dedicated helicopters to several State governments, has recently carried out a survey and submitted a report to the Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry Governments about starting helicopter services there.

Sources indicated that PHHL would shortly commence a survey in Karnataka on the viability of starting a service to link important places within the State.

Pawan Hans also plans to conduct a feasibility study on operating a helicopter service for pilgrims going on the Kailash Mansarovar yatra.