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StandardAero New Regional Manager for Russia, India and Asia-Pacific

StandardAero New Regional Manager for Russia, India and Asia-Pacific

Source: StandardAero, 20-May-13

StandardAero has appointed Keow Keong (“KK”) Low as the new Asia Regional Sales Manager for StandardAero’s Helicopter Programs. Low will be responsible for providing marketing and service support on the Rolls-Royce M250 and the Rolls-Royce RR300 product lines for operators in the Asia-Pacific region. His territory will span from Russia & India to Japan and [...]

Finmeccanica CFO says not expecting India to blacklist group

Finmeccanica CFO says not expecting India to blacklist group

Source: Reuters, 16-May-13

Finmeccanica(SIFI.MI) is not expecting India to blacklist either the group or its helicopter unit AgustaWestland for the time being as a consequence of a corruption probe, Chief Financial Officer Gian Piero Cutillo said on Wednesday. (See Full Story)

Pawan Hans may enter commercial airline business

Pawan Hans may enter commercial airline business

Source: The Times Of India, 06-May-13

State-run helicopter operator Pawan Hans is planning to enter the commercial airline business offering regional connectivity and has already received a go-ahead from its board, a top official has said.(See Full Story)

Pawan Hans to fly for Indian Institute of Technology

Pawan Hans to fly for Indian Institute of Technology

Source: Times of India, 01-May-13

Helicopter company Pawan Hans May soon be providing Helicopter Services to two IIT campuses (see full story)

Uniflight appoints New Sales Representative for India

Uniflight appoints New Sales Representative for India

Source: Uniflight, 29-Apr-13

Uniflight, LLC (Grand Prairie, Texas) is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with Sahil Aerospace to provide sales representation in India and select Middle Eastern/GCC Region accounts. Joe Hawke, Chairman and CEO of Uniflight said, “We have been exploring multiple opportunities to expand our presence in international and developing markets. We are very [...]

Airports Authority of India unveils Juhu heliport plan

Airports Authority of India unveils Juhu heliport plan

Source: Times of India, 22-Apr-13

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has floated yet another controversial proposal (see full story)

Indian Air Force may have no VVIP helicopters after 2014

Indian Air Force may have no VVIP helicopters after 2014

Source: Daily Mail India, 22-Apr-13

After February 2014, VVIPs may not be able to fly in an Indian Air Force helicopter, as there may not be a single one left in the IAF’s elite squadron, which ferries the Prime Minister, the President, senior ministers and other top dignitaries. (See full story)

India – Border force helicopter idle for 6 months looking for a pilot

India – Border force helicopter idle for 6 months looking for a pilot

Source: Hindustan Times, 15-Apr-13

A battle-ready BSF ‘Dhruv’ helicopter, deployed for undertaking sorties to aid anti-Naxal operations, is lying idle for close to six months in Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur as authorities are not able to find a pilot to fly the machine (see full story).  File photo

AgustaWestland bids for two more Indian military tenders

AgustaWestland bids for two more Indian military tenders

Source: Indian Express, 10-Apr-13

Notwithstanding the prospect of being blacklisted over the VVIP helicopter contract, AgustaWestland has submitted its bid for two military tenders to supply helicopters to the Navy and the Coast Guard (see full story)

Mahalaxmi helipad to get 24×7 services, night landing system

Mahalaxmi helipad to get 24×7 services, night landing system

Source: Mumbai Mirror, 10-Apr-13

In a first, a night landing facility will be installed at a prominent helipad in the city to ensure 24×7 services for politicians and bureaucrats, who use choppers on a regular basis (see full story).

Former British govt employee to head AgustaWestland India

Former British govt employee to head AgustaWestland India

Source: Business Standard, 03-Apr-13

AgustaWestland, which is surrounded by controversies over the VVIP chopper deal, is appointing a former British Government employee Jackie Callicut as its India head, a post which was vacant for over a year (see full story)

India delays procurement of 197 helicopters after AgustaWestland situation

India delays procurement of 197 helicopters after AgustaWestland situation

Source: NDTV, 03-Apr-13

The government today deferred a decision on a deal to buy 197 light-utility helicopters pending completion of an investigation into kickback allegations (see full story).

AgustaWestland hands over contract with alleged middleman to Indian military

AgustaWestland hands over contract with alleged middleman to Indian military

Source: The Pioneer, 25-Mar-13

AgustaWestland has handed over its contract with alleged middleman Christian Michel regarding the VVIP helicopter deal to the Defence Ministry and maintained that it had not committed any wrongdoing (see full story).

Pawan Hans to start helicopter services in West Bengal

Pawan Hans to start helicopter services in West Bengal

Source: Business Standard, 19-Mar-13

Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL) on Monday entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with West Bengal government to provide helicopter services in the state (see full story).

India wrestles with dilemma of blacklisting AgustaWestland

India wrestles with dilemma of blacklisting AgustaWestland

Source: Reuters, 18-Mar-13

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony is leaning toward barring Anglo-Italian helicopter firm AgustaWestland from doing business in the country because of a corruption scandal, but he could be outvoted by cabinet colleagues, several government sources said. Some cabinet ministers and even officials within the defense ministry fear such a move could set back India’s efforts [...]

India AW101 – CBI registers case against 6 companies and 13 individuals

India AW101 – CBI registers case against 6 companies and 13 individuals

Source: CBI, India, 15-Mar-13

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case U/s 120-B r/w 420 IPC and Section 7, 8, 9, 12 & 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of PC Act, 1988 against the then Chief of Air Staff; four private persons; a Chandigarh-based private company & its then CEO; a aw101-india1 -based private company, its [...]

Seven fatal helicopter accidents in first nine days of March 2013

Seven fatal helicopter accidents in first nine days of March 2013

Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Mar-13

March 2013 has not started off well from the point of view of accident statistics, with seven fatal accidents in the first nine days.  HeliHub.com carries extensive coverage of helicopter safety data and has included the following in recent reports 09-Mar-13 ZK-IHU Robinson R66 Oamaru Valley, New Zealand (1F) 07-Mar-13 Eurocopter/IAR SA330L Bacau, Romania (2F) 05-Mar-13 [...]

India asks AgustaWestland to explain linkages with 2 firms

India asks AgustaWestland to explain linkages with 2 firms

Source: The Hindu, 08-Mar-13

The Defence Ministry has asked AgustaWestland to explain within one week its linkages with software companies allegedly used as a cover for paying kickbacks in the VVIP AW101 deal. (see full story)

HAL signs contract for 20 Cheetal helicopters

HAL signs contract for 20 Cheetal helicopters

Source: HAL, 25-Feb-13

HAL has signed contract worth Rs. 418 crore with the Ministry of Defence for supply of 20 Cheetal helicopters and associated equipments to the Indian Army over the next four years. HAL will also provide training to the pilots and technical crew. This is the first contract for supply of Cheetal helicopters to the Indian [...]

India’s AW101s – AgustaWestland has 7 days to respond

India’s AW101s – AgustaWestland has 7 days to respond

Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Feb-13

The Indian military have commenced legal proceedings which they hope will lead to the cancellation of their order for twelve VVIP AW101 helicopters.  Through the formality of issuing a “show cause notice”, AgustaWestland now have to respond to the court within seven days on specific points to determine whether the contract remains valid or not.  [...]

India’s AW101s – Focus on the middlemen

India’s AW101s – Focus on the middlemen

18-Feb-13

“Haschke [the middleman] sold AgustaWestland a story based on my relationship with (cousin) SP Tyagi. We have strained ties. He (Haschke) used my name to siphon off money. The CBI probe will bring out the truth. I welcome the CBI probe,” said the former Indian Air Force chief. (see full story) A new angle has [...]

AgustaWestland JV Indian Rotorcraft distances itself from AW101 story

AgustaWestland JV Indian Rotorcraft distances itself from AW101 story

Source: Tata, 18-Feb-13

Indian Rotorcraft (IRL), the proposed joint venture with AgustaWestland is for assembling AW119Ke helicopters. The assembly activity is slated to start in April 2014. The facility is being established in Hyderabad for assembling only AW119Ke helicopters. IRL will export the assembled helicopters to AgustaWestland for it to sell to its customers. IRL business remit does [...]

Dynamatic Technologies to make CH-47 aft pylon and cargo ramp

Dynamatic Technologies to make CH-47 aft pylon and cargo ramp

Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Feb-13

Indian company Dynamatic Technologies Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a Model Purchase Contract with Boeing for the manufacture of Aft Pylon and Cargo Ramp Assemblies for Boeing’s CH-47F Chinook Helicopter. The potential work is slated to commence by the end of 2014. This follows a contract which they signed with Bell for [...]

Eurocopter seals order from India for seven EMS EC135s

Eurocopter seals order from India for seven EMS EC135s

Source: Eurocopter, 15-Feb-13

Marking a key milestone in India’s development of modern heliborne resources to support lifesaving missions, AVIATORS Pvt Ltd signed today, in the presence of French President François Hollande, a firm order for an initial batch of seven Eurocopter EC135 aircraft for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operations. A second order is expected to be carried [...]

India to scrap AW101 order if any wrongdoing found

India to scrap AW101 order if any wrongdoing found

Source: DD India, 14-Feb-13

A day after ordering the CBI probe, Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters that strong action will be taken against those found guilty.   “Nobody will be spared whatever may be the consequences,” he told reporters on the alleged Italian chopper scam. (see full story)  So far three of the twelve VVIP AW101s ordered have [...]

India AW101 – Alleged middleman met Air Force chief 6 or 7 times

India AW101 – Alleged middleman met Air Force chief 6 or 7 times

14-Feb-13

The middleman, Guido Haschke, has also said that he received 20 million euros as commission and of this, 12 million euros were passed on to S P Tyagi’s Delhi-based businessmen cousins Julie Tyagi, Docsa Tyagi and Sandeep Tyagi. (see full story)

AgustaWestland – Orsi and Spagnolini arrested

AgustaWestland – Orsi and Spagnolini arrested

Source: HeliHub.com, 12-Feb-13

Finmeccanica have issued a short statement confirming that Italian Police have arrested former AgustaWestland CEO Guiseppi Orsi, and his successor (and current CEO) Bruno Spagnolini.  Orsi is now Chairman and CEO of parent company Finmeccanica. “With reference to the precautionary measures issued today towards the Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica and the CEO of the [...]

Eurocopter sells an EC135 to India as it delivers another

Eurocopter sells an EC135 to India as it delivers another

Source: Eurocopter, 11-Feb-13

A record nine units of Eurocopter’s EC135 was sold in 2012, making it the most soughtafter light twin-engine helicopter in India. The growing popularity of the EC135 in India was further demonstrated by a new order from one Indian customer and the delivery of an EC135 to another, at the Aero India 2013 exhibition. Eurocopter [...]

Eurocopter claims 70% of Indian market

Eurocopter claims 70% of Indian market

Source: Eurocopter, 11-Feb-13

Paced by the sales of light helicopters in 2012, Eurocopter India continued its leadership role in the Indian market last year – capturing a 70 percent share of the new civilian helicopter bookings and 43 percent of registered deliveries in this key geographical region. Eurocopter India recorded an impressive 2012 bookings of 12 helicopters, driven [...]

Eurocopter brings military and civil helicopters to Aero India 2013

Eurocopter brings military and civil helicopters to Aero India 2013

Source: Eurocopter, 05-Feb-13

The capabilities of Eurocopter’s expanded helicopter product line in meeting a full range of India military, governmental and civilian missions will be at the forefront during this month’s Aero India 2013 exhibition, to be held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, near Bangalore. A cornerstone of Eurocopter’s static display is the AS565 MBe Panther naval helicopter, [...]

Russian Helicopters details Aero India participation

Russian Helicopters details Aero India participation

Source: Russian Helicopters, 04-Feb-13

Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, will exhibit some of its latest models at Aero India 2013, taking place from February 6-10 2013 in Bangalore. The company can be found in Hall A at stand 3.3. The company plans to showcase new light and [...]

HAL to Fly Dhruv, Rudra and LCH at Aero India 2013

HAL to Fly Dhruv, Rudra and LCH at Aero India 2013

Source: HAL, 28-Jan-13

HAL’s strength in design, development and production will be showcased through its products during the up-coming Aero-India 2013. The major attractions of the HAL’s pavilion include in-house designs such as Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), “Rudra” the weaponised Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) and Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT). “For the first time, we will present to the [...]

Telephonics wins follow-up contract with Kazan Helicopters

Telephonics wins follow-up contract with Kazan Helicopters

Source: Telephonics, 25-Jan-13

Telephonics Corporation (Telephonics), a wholly owned subsidiary of Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF), today announced a second contract from the Russian manufacturer of the world-renowned Mi-8/17 family of helicopters, Kazan Helicopters, part of the Russian Helicopters company. Telephonics will supply eighty-five (85) RDR-1600 weather avoidance search and rescue radars to Kazan for installation on the Mi-17V-5 helicopters [...]

India inducts armed Mi-17 squadron in Rajasthan

India inducts armed Mi-17 squadron in Rajasthan

Source: Zee News, 08-Jan-13

Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne inducting an armed Mi-17V5 helicopter squadron at Phalodi air base in Rajasthan on Monday (see full story)

Pawan Hans pilot reported by company’s own Pilots Guild

Pawan Hans pilot reported by company’s own Pilots Guild

Source: Mumbai Mirror, 08-Jan-13

The Director General of Civil Aviation has instituted an inquiry into a night flight undertaken by a Pawan Hans helicopter on December 27 last year to Bhopal and Indore from Delhi despite the pilot-in-command not being qualified to fly after sunset. (see full story).  File photo

Pawan Hans ops launched in Himachal Pradesh

Pawan Hans ops launched in Himachal Pradesh

Source: Jagran Post, 07-Jan-13

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Sunday launched Pawan Hans chopper services for the tribal areas in the state. (see full story)

HAL to release weaponized ALH

HAL to release weaponized ALH

Source: Army Technology, 07-Jan-13

HAL is set to release the weaponized version of ALH at Aero India 2013, to be held in the second week of February in Bangalore. (see full story)

Russian Helicopters to open Ka226 plant in India

Russian Helicopters to open Ka226 plant in India

Source: Russian Helicopters, 01-Jan-13

During the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India, Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of Russian Technologies State Corporation, and Elcom Systems Private Limited, part of the Indian investment conglomerate SUN Group, signed in New Delhi an agreement to set up in India a modern industrial facility for manufacturing of Russian helicopter [...]

Russian Helicopters to build more Mi-17V-5 for Indian Air Force

Russian Helicopters to build more Mi-17V-5 for Indian Air Force

Source: Russian Helicopters, 01-Jan-13

Rosoboronexport and the Indian Ministry of Defence have signed an agreement on the delivery another consignment of Russia-made military transport Mi-17V-5 helicopters by 2015. The agreement was signed during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India on December 24, 2012. The new consignment of Mi-17V-5 helicopters falls under a contract signed by the [...]

Bell signs $243M deal for 407 cabin manufacture in India

Bell signs $243M deal for 407 cabin manufacture in India

Source: Dynamatic Technologies, 21-Dec-12

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. Company (NYSE: TXT), has signed a Memo of Understanding (MoU) with Dynamatic Technologies to explore establishing Dynamatic® as a sub-contractor for its Bell 407 Air Frame Cabin Assembly, Air Frame Component and Details. The estimated business volume of the work proposed is approximately $243 million USD over a ten year [...]

Pawan Hans plans expansion in Uttar Pradesh

Pawan Hans plans expansion in Uttar Pradesh

Source: HeliHub.com, 19-Dec-12

Pawan Hans has revealed plans to expand its helicopter services in Uttar Pradesh, with continued focus on passengers with pilgrimage and religious interests.  The Indian operator has already launched a daily helicopter service between New Delhi and Vrindavan in Mathura district and is planning to serve the Buddhist Circuit spread over Eastern Uttar Pradesh and [...]

Pawan Hans launches service between Vrindavan and Delhi

Pawan Hans launches service between Vrindavan and Delhi

Source: NetIndian, 28-Nov-12

Pawan Hans Helicopters today launches a daily helicopter service from Vrindavan to Delhi .  The first flight departs at 13.30 local time, 0800 GMT. (see full story)

India chooses CH-47D to replace Mi-26

India chooses CH-47D to replace Mi-26

01-Nov-12

India reportedly will enter into negotiations with Boeing of the United States for acquisition of 15 CH-47D Chinook helicopters. (see full story)

Indian military approves Pawan Hans Helicopter Training Institute

Indian military approves Pawan Hans Helicopter Training Institute

Source: Indian Express, 29-Oct-12

Along with training, Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL) reportedly has plans to provide helicopter connectivity to nearby destinations. (see full story)

Lockheed Martin may offer India both MH-60R and MH-60S as package

Lockheed Martin may offer India both MH-60R and MH-60S as package

24-Oct-12

Lockheed Martin said it may offer India a mixed helicopter offering as it competes for an order for more than $2 billion worth of maritime aircraft. (see full story)

Swiss arrest linked to alleged Indian AW101 kickback payments

Swiss arrest linked to alleged Indian AW101 kickback payments

Source: Reuters, 22-Oct-12

In an emailed statement, Swiss authorities said they had asked magistrates to arrest an Italian-U.S. citizen on allegations of money laundering and corruption in connection with the supply of helicopters to India by an Italian state-owned company. (see full story)

Indian military drags feet in fast-tracking helicopter procurement

Indian military drags feet in fast-tracking helicopter procurement

Source: Times of India, 22-Oct-12

Indian government seems to be dragging its feet in fast-tracking helicopter acquisition projects, several of which are stuck in the long-winded defence procurement process or in the debilitating cycle of complaints and counter-complaints. (see full story)

Finmeccanica boss has no intention to step down, says lawyer

Finmeccanica boss has no intention to step down, says lawyer

18-Oct-12

Finmeccanica Chairman and CEO Giuseppe Orsi has no intention of resigning, his lawyer said on Monday after media reports at the weekend over allegations concerning the Indian AgustaWestland VIP AW101 contract (see full story)

Non-compliant Eurocopter scuppers Indian Coast Guard tender

Non-compliant Eurocopter scuppers Indian Coast Guard tender

Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Oct-12

The Times of India is reporting that the tender for 16 helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard has been stopped.  With just two manufacturers bidding – local HAL with the Dhruv and Eurocopter with the AS565MB Panther – the defence ministry has reportedly found the Panther to be non-compliant in some aspects of the tender [...]

Indian operators lobby Government to reduce tax on fuel and spares

Indian operators lobby Government to reduce tax on fuel and spares

Source: ZeeNews, 23-Sep-12

Indian helicopter operators have asked the government to take urgent steps to rationalise taxes on import of spares and jet fuel, and lower airport charges to enable the sector to grow.  (see full story)

Pawan Hans resumes services in Meghalaya

Pawan Hans resumes services in Meghalaya

Source: HeliHub.com, 31-Jul-12

State-owned Pawan Hans Helicopters has recently resumed its services in the mountainous Meghalaya state after a gap of 15 months, it has been announced.  The move follows its selection in a bid process to run the air service in the state, according to state Transport Minister Abu Taher Mondal, who later admitted that the other [...]

HAL seeks to improve the supplier relationship

HAL seeks to improve the supplier relationship

Source: HAL, 24-Jul-12

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) organized a Global Business Partners’ Meet of its vendors here on Saturday to apprise them of recent changes within HAL to speed up the process of procurement and make suppliers aware of various procedures, statutory requirements and adherence to Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) guidelines. Eighty three vendors, 26 foreign and 57 [...]

Global Vectra resumes flying

Global Vectra resumes flying

Source: Global Vectra, 23-Jul-12

Global Vectra Helicorp Limited (GVHL) is India’s largest private helicopter company, providing offshore transportation services to the oil and gas sector and, through its onshore division, charter and airport shuttle services throughout the country. On 7 May 2012, following a decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil [...]

Panel cancels appointment of Pawan Hans Chairman/MD

Panel cancels appointment of Pawan Hans Chairman/MD

Source: Deccan Chronicle, 29-Jun-12

Anil Srivastava, currently the joint director-general of civil aviation, was also appointed the Chairman and Managing Director of Pawan Hans as an additional charge a few weeks ago by the civil aviation ministry. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has now ordered the civil aviation ministry to hand over the role to someone else due [...]

Restructuring consultants visit HAL

Restructuring consultants visit HAL

Source: HAL, 11-Jun-12

Bangalore, June 11, 2012: The Expert Group on “Restructuring and Strengthening of HAL” under the leadership of Mr. B. K. Chaturvedi, former Cabinet Secretary and Member, Planning Commission visited various facilities of HAL. The Group held discussions with Mr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, Directors and senior executives of HAL. The Expert Group will look into issues such [...]

Indian pilots call for helipad audit

Indian pilots call for helipad audit

Source: HeliHub.com, 07-Jun-12

Helicopter pilots in India have appealed to the local aviation authority (DGCA) with a call for them to undertake auditing of helipads, particularly those on offshore rigs.  Such audits are currently rare in India.  Earlier this week, DGCA chief E.K. Bharat Bhushan met members of the Rotary Wing Society of India, the Oil and Natural [...]

Pawans Hans adds two tourist routes; Pondering four more

Pawans Hans adds two tourist routes; Pondering four more

Source: New Kerala, 01-Jun-12

Pawan Hans plans to connect Vrindavan and Mathura with New Delhi considering the high potential of religious tourism of the two cities.  It is also mulling linking Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Mathura and Agra to Delhi. (see full story)

India – Jharkhand to buy helicopter, rather than charter

India – Jharkhand to buy helicopter, rather than charter

Source: Times of India, 31-May-12

Funds will not be a constraint to buy a new helicopter. “The department has to make budgetary provision for it. I don’t think that fund will be a constraint,” state finance secretary Sukhdev Singh said.  (See full story) The accident referred to in the story can be viewed in more detail at 09-May-12 VT-VKS Agusta [...]

Himalayan Heli Services bags Global Vectra contract

Himalayan Heli Services bags Global Vectra contract

Source: Greater Kashmir, 30-May-12

First report we have seen of a Global Vectra contract being reassigned to another operator since their grounding by Indian authorities (see full story)

India becomes 10th country to approve increased weight for Bell 429

India becomes 10th country to approve increased weight for Bell 429

Source: Bell, 30-May-12

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today India’s Director General of Civil Aviation has joined the growing number of countries who have approved the increased maximum gross weight for the Bell 429 based on Transport Canada’s certification. India is the tenth country to approve the 500 lb. increase to 7,500 lbs. Transport [...]

Global Vectra director launches second court case to get company flying again

Global Vectra director launches second court case to get company flying again

Source: News Track India, 25-May-12

A director and a shareholder of Global Vectra Helicorp, the aviation arm of the Ravi Rishi-led Vectra Group, Thursday moved the Delhi High Court against the suspension of its permit to fly choppers.  The court is already hearing the plea of Global Vectra Helicorp against the DGCA’s order.  (see full story)  

NH Industries gives 10 reasons why S70B does not meet Indian Naval requirement

NH Industries gives 10 reasons why S70B does not meet Indian Naval requirement

Source: Defense World, 17-May-12

NHI Industries lists out 10 instances where the S70B could not have met the Naval Staff Quality Requirements (NSQRs). These include requirements for internal/external tanks, fuel reserve, sonar, health and usage monitoring system, deck lock and technical literature. (see full story)

Jharkhand Chief Minister out of danger after A109C accident

Jharkhand Chief Minister out of danger after A109C accident

Source: HeliHub.com, 09-May-12

This news item is part of the accident data provided by HeliHub.com on this site.  Information provided in this update may potentially be incomplete or inaccurate as we frequently post these stories only a very short time after the accident has occurred.  Users of HeliHub.com are advised to carry out their own checks and searches, [...]

Indian army aviation is “97 per cent obsolete”

Indian army aviation is “97 per cent obsolete”

Source: IBN, 08-May-12

The Indian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence has tabled a report showing the Army faces a shortage of 18 Cheetah, one Chetak, 76 Advance Light Helicopter and 60 armed Advance Light Helicopters. (read full story)

India – Global Vectra’s security clearance cancelled

India – Global Vectra’s security clearance cancelled

Source: Zee News, 07-May-12

The cancellation of security clearance of Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd is likely to create trouble for those willing to avail chopper services during the pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine since it is the peak season.   (see full story) Separately, this may impact offshore operations of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Gujarat State Petroleum [...]

Kaman forms JV in India with Kineco

Kaman forms JV in India with Kineco

Source: Kaman, 03-May-12

aman Aerospace Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation (NYSE: KAMN - News) and Kineco Private Limitedtoday announced that they have entered into an agreement to form a manufacturing company in India. The venture will be based in Goa and will manufacture advanced composite structures for aerospace, medical and other industries. Gregory L. Steiner, President of Kaman Aerospace Group, commented, “This is a [...]

PRISM provides Safety Management System training in India

PRISM provides Safety Management System training in India

Source: ARGUS International, 27-Apr-12

Professional Resources In System Management, LLC (PRISM) is pleased to report the completion of a three-day Safety Management System (SMS) course in conjunction with the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI). The course took place in New Delhi, India and focused on the Four Pillars of SMS, safety culture, just culture, decision making, SMS risk [...]

India helicopter deal: Italy probes Euro 51M ‘payoff’

India helicopter deal: Italy probes Euro 51M ‘payoff’

Source: Indian Express, 24-Apr-12

Italy probes 51 m Euro ‘payoff’ to agent Guido Haschke for VVIP AW101 deal with India – the 62-year-old consultant is believed to have dual citizenship of Switzerland and the US (see full story)

Finmeccanica denies all AgustaWestland financial side-deals

Finmeccanica denies all AgustaWestland financial side-deals

Source: Finmeccanica, 24-Apr-12

With reference to the articles published in the last few days by some newspapers – and with particular reference to the circumstances that have associated the names of Finmeccanica and AgustaWestland with those of Valter Lavitola, the Hon. Marco Reguzzoni and events in India – the Finmeccanica Group, while fully respecting the work of the [...]

Bell opens new facility in India

Bell opens new facility in India

Source: Bell, 20-Apr-12

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today it has opened a new office in New Delhi for all of its operations in India. “Bell Helicopter is investing in India. We believe there are tremendous growth opportunities in terms of sales and manufacturing. This is an important day for Bell Helicopter as we [...]

Mumbai Police prepare to spend $19M on a helicopter

Mumbai Police prepare to spend $19M on a helicopter

Source: HeliHub.com, 18-Apr-12

A local press article suggests that the Police in the city of Mumbai could be the first to go airborne, but it is not clear whether the proposed helicopter would be available throughout the state of Maharastra or not.  Mumbai has a population of over 12 million at a staggering density of over 50,000 per [...]

Indian Parliamentary Consultative Committee visits HAL

Indian Parliamentary Consultative Committee visits HAL

Source: HAL, 18-Apr-12

To have an on the spot reality check on the capabilities and expertise of HAL in designing, production, repair, overhaul and upgrade of Aircraft, Helicopters, Aero-engines, Accessories, Avionics and Systems, a fifteen member delegation of parliamentary consultative committee consisting MPs of both houses, have paid a visit to HAL on 10th & 11th April 2012. [...]

Sikorsky S-92 “Legacy of Heroes” tour to visit Mumbai

Sikorsky S-92 “Legacy of Heroes” tour to visit Mumbai

Source: Sikorsky, 16-Apr-12

Sikorsky Aircraft’s S-92® “Legacy of Heroes” (LOH) demonstration helicopter will visit Mumbai this week, hosting customers and recognizing local heroes while the aircraft is at Juhu Airport until April 20. The aircraft recently began the India leg of its worldwide tour with activities over the last three weeks in Chennai, Bangaluru, Hyderabad and New Delhi. Sikorsky [...]

Sikorsky point finger at AgustaWestland over Indian VVIP order, says press

Sikorsky point finger at AgustaWestland over Indian VVIP order, says press

15-Apr-12

The Indian press continue to have AgustaWestland in their firing line over the order for twelve VVIP helicopters which they won with the VVIP.  Now the Express quotes an un-named Sikorsky official saying  “There’s enough conclusive evidence. Let the law take its own course. The ministry has ordered a probe and the law of the [...]

Sikorsky S-92® “Legacy of Heroes” helicopter to visit New Delhi

Sikorsky S-92® “Legacy of Heroes” helicopter to visit New Delhi

Source: Sikorsky, 10-Apr-12

Sikorsky Aircraft’s S-92® “Legacy of Heroes” (LOH) demonstration helicopter will visit New Delhi this week, hosting customers and recognizing local heroes while the aircraft is at Indira Gandhi International airport until April 12. The aircraft recently began the India leg of its worldwide tour with activities over the last two weeks in Chennai, Bangaluru and Hyderabad. Sikorsky is [...]