Helicopter operator Pawan Hans eyes law and order, medical services

Helicopter operator Pawan Hans Ltd has posted its highest turnover of Rs 530 crore in the last year, around 15% increase from Rs 465 crore last year.

The company plans to use more of its helicopters for law & order and medical emergency purposes, a company executive said. In India only 1% helicopters are used for such services against the global average of 30%.

Mahesh Sharma, minister of state for civil aviation, was briefed about the performance of the company on Monday by B S Bhullar, chairman and managing director of Pawan Hans. The review meeting also touched up discussed the future business strategies of the company to promote regional connectivity specifically in North East region and inter island.

Pawan Hans was incorporated in 1985 with the objective of providing helicopter support services to the oil sector for its off-shore operations, services in the remote and hill areas and chartered tourist services for the promotion of tourism.

The central government owns 51% of the stake in the company, while the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation holds the rest. The operator has fleet of 47 helicopters.

"Worldwide 30% helicopters are used for law & order and emergency medical services, whereas in India only 1% helicopters are being used for such important activities. Pawan Hans is now looking at the worldwide trend of growing demand for helicopters for law and order and medical services so that the company maintains its growth story." said a company official.