The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL) signed an MoU to establish a joint venture in the national capital to carry out the maintenance work related to all types of helicopters and address the needs of defence and civil markets in India and other countries.
This was discussed at a program held at the ongoing ‘India Aviation-2016’ in Hyderabad.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapati Raju, Rajiv Nayan Choubey, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL, B.P. Sharma, CMD (PHL) and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
“The business of the joint venture will be conducted in the best interest of the customers based on sound commercial principles”, said Raju.
V. Sadagopan, CEO (Helicopter Complex, HAL) and Sanjiv Bahl, Executive Director, (PHL) signed the MoU.
According to Raju, both the companies will form a joint working team and conduct detailed studies, work on business plan, time line and other required documents for the success of the venture.
The HAL has been manufacturing and overhauling its Cheetah/Chetak and Dhruv helicopters besides providing support for Seaking helicopter.
The PHL is the largest civil helicopter operator in the country.
The helicopter business of the HAL presently contributes to sizeable business of the HAL.
The fleet size of helicopters in civil segment in India is expected to go up to 800 in the next 10 years.
In addition, there is expected induction of 600 helicopters in defence.
All this will require MRO and logistic support to sustain. Also, under the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ campaign there will be greater emphasis on boosting the civil aviation sector.
The government has released a new draft civil aviation Policy on October 30, 2015 with a special focus on Helicopter and MRO.
Against this background, the HAL– PHL agreement on Helicopter MRO assumes significance. (ANI)