Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has called on Pawan Hans to expand helicopter operations, revive seaplane services and explore emerging technologies such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to strengthen India’s aviation sector.
Addressing the 42nd Foundation Day celebrations of Pawan Hans in New Delhi on Thursday, the Minister highlighted the company’s potential to improve regional connectivity, provide emergency medical services and promote religious tourism through helicopter operations.
Naidu said India’s aviation sector had witnessed significant growth over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stressed that the government’s focus extended beyond expanding airports and aircraft fleets to developing heliports and strengthening helicopter connectivity across the country.
The Minister urged Pawan Hans to take the lead in expanding helicopter services, particularly heli-ambulance operations and connectivity to religious destinations that remain difficult to access.
He also called for renewed efforts to develop seaplane services, recalling that Pawan Hans had operated seaplanes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2010. He said the company should re-enter the segment and explore opportunities at new destinations.
Government support for fleet expansion
Naidu said the Ministry of Civil Aviation was extending support to Pawan Hans, including through the induction of domestically manufactured helicopters.
He stated that four Made-in-India civilian Dhruv helicopters manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had been provided to Pawan Hans as part of its fleet renewal programme, with six more expected to be inducted.
The Minister also announced plans to develop 200 modern heliports across the country under the new UDAN scheme. The proposed facilities will cover aspirational districts, hilly regions and island destinations. Two additional civilian helicopters will also be procured under the scheme, he said.
Seaplane connectivity and emerging technologies
The Minister said the government was assessing potential locations for seaplane operations beyond Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Inland destinations with suitable water bodies are also being considered.
He emphasised the need for state governments to participate in identifying viable routes and destinations, adding that discussions with states were underway.
Referring to Skyhawk, an existing operator in the sector, Naidu said the government wanted Pawan Hans to enter the market as well. He expressed confidence that seaplane operations could expand once suitable destinations and agreements with state governments were finalised.
The Minister also urged Pawan Hans to prepare for emerging aviation technologies, including electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which could open up new possibilities for urban and regional mobility.
Government explores aircraft leasing, fractional ownership
Naidu said the government was exploring options such as aircraft leasing and fractional ownership to increase the number of aircraft available in India and meet rising demand for air travel.
He added that the Ministry of Civil Aviation was consulting stakeholders on the proposals, with the Ministry of Finance also involved in the discussions.
The Minister stressed that India needed to expand its aircraft fleet to keep pace with growing passenger demand. He said the government would support measures that could facilitate the induction of more aircraft into commercial operations.
-ANI
