Media reports are saying that the Indian state of Meghalaya, in the north east of the country, have suspended Pawan Hans helicopter services in the state with immediate effect.  This follows the crash of one of their Mi-17s on 19th April killing 17, and controversy surrounding one of their new AS350B3s which was reported missing – and subsequent statements saying it has been located where later rubbished.  This latter incident also involves Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four others.

Pawan Hans is owned by the Indian Government, 51% through direct shareholding and 49% via the Oil and Natural Gas Corp which it also owns. PHHL was incorporated with the primary objective of providing helicopter support services to the oil sector for its off-shore exploration operations, services in remote and hilly areas and charter services for promotion of tourism.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com