BLADE India, the helicopter operator that provides urban mobility by selling seats, today announced the launch of its services in Karnataka. See Full Story.
Under the newly introduced Defense ministry leasing guidelines, the Indian Navy is looking to lease light utility helicopters for its logistical needs. The Navy is looking to fill vital gaps in the frontline warships by urgently leasing 12-18 helicopters from foreign vendors. See Full Story.
The Uttarakhand government is mulling helicopter service on eight routes, including Dehradun-Haridwar-Mussoorie, even though the existing helicopter service under the RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) of the Udan (Ude Desh Ka Aaam Nagrik) programme between Dehradun and Gauchar has not picked up as well as the government had hoped. See Full Story.
Pune-based Panchshil Realty announced that Fly Blade India Pvt. Ltd. has started operating daily helicopter services between Pune and Mumbai from Panchshil’s YOO Villas helipad in Pune. YOO Villas is an exclusive enclave of signature villas designed by global celebrity designer Kelly Hoppen and is located close to the bustling business district of Kharadi in… Read more »
Kedarnath is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in the country, and has now resumed its helicopter services after a long gap due to COVID-19 pandemic. The helicopter service for Kedarnath started on Friday, with a total of 890 people making use of the service on the very first day. See Full Story.
Air Safa Pte. Ltd., a Singapore based aircraft leasing company, has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus Helicopters for one H125 helicopter with the option to add another one in the future. The H125 will be placed on a dry lease to Indian operators for multirole missions, including passenger transportation and aerial work. “We have… Read more »
The U.S. Army recently awarded LONGBOW Limited Liability Company (LBL), a joint venture of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), four Foreign Military Sales contracts to provide the AH-64E Apache helicopter AN/APG-78 LONGBOW Fire Control Radar (FCR) to Morocco, Netherlands, UAE and India Army. “The LBL team is excited to bring… Read more »
Minister of state for agriculture and cooperation Vishwajeet Kadam on Monday informed that the government was planning to have one heliport each in every district of western Maharashtra. See Full Story.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has made its first route award under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN-RCS) to a helicopter operator. Heritage Aviation will now operate a service between Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun with routes to Gauchar and Chinyalisaur. HeliHub.com understands that the company will be operating their Agusta AW109E Power on this route… Read more »
Pawan Hans have announced that Sanjeev Razdan has been appointed as the chairman and managing director (CMD). Razdan is at present general manager at the operator, the largest in India, and has been appointed as the CMD for a five-year tenure. Pawan Hans is owned by the Indian Government, 49% by the state-owned Oil & Natural Gas Corporation… Read more »
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) paving the way for its productionisation. Mr R Madhavan, CMD, HAL received the IOC document from Mr G Sateesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R & D and Chairman, DRDO at the ‘Bandhan’ programme held at ongoing… Read more »
A new Cruise season dawned at NMPT [New Managalore Port Trust] and the first vessel of the season “AIDA VITA”, a Panama Flag vessel sailed into the Port in the early hours on 04 November 2019 with 1154 passengers and 407 crew members on board. The Port authorities and the agents welcomed the passengers to… Read more »
The Afghan Air Force has received two Indian helicopters. At a ceremony on Tuesday at the military airbase in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, the Indian government formally handed over two Mi-35s to the Afghan Air Force, which were donated in support of Afghanistan’s counterterrorism efforts. See Full Story.
At a time when loss-making Pawan Hans is in the process of being privatised, the helicopter company has issued a notice inviting applicants for the post of its chairman and managing director (CMD) See full story
Tail damaged and starboard skid splayed out on landing at Kedarnath shrine, which is at an altitude of 11,500ft. 6 POB no serious injuries. Wreckage airlifted out 26 October per this press report
As part of its joint exposition with the Buryat Republic, Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) will present its latest civilian helicopter Mi-171A2 and Ka-226T light-weight multi-purpose helicopter, which are planned to be supplied to India, at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Earlier, Russian Helicopters and Global Vectra company (India) had… Read more »
The Meghalaya Government are currently debating to extend their helicopter services to other districts in Meghalaya. This expansion will focus on emergency services during disasters, reports North East News. A helipad will be built on East Khasi Hills district.
HAL has recently organised a workshop where they invited Indian private investors, in the hopes of co-producing their AHL Dhruv. Invitees included Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, ASSOCHAM, Karnataka State Development Council, CII and Karnataka Udyog Mitra. A Request for Quotation was issued in April of this year, stating that the selected partner will be… Read more »
India’s largest helicopter operator, Pawan Hans, is in a financial crisis and unable to pay employee salaries for April. The company reportedly sent a circular sent to employees on Thursday saying that the company is facing “an uncomfortable financial position”. It is also the time of year that salary levels are historically reviewed, according to… Read more »
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of twenty-four (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission helicopters for an estimated cost of $2.6 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of India has requested to buy twenty-four (24) MH-60R… Read more »
Suresh Prabhu, the Union Minister of civil aviation has recently launched he UDAN-II scheme. The scheme provides a helicopter taxi service from Shimla to Chandigarh. They began the service at three flights a week, but after a fortnight it will be six flights a week, reports Times of India.
The Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat, flew the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) during the ongoing Aero India at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, here. The helicopter was piloted by Wg Cdr S John, HAL’s Test Pilot. Terming the sortie in LCH as an experience of life time, he said it is suitable for the Army to… Read more »
HAL handed over first three ALHs as part of the 22 ALH MK III contract to the Indian Army during the on-going Aero India 2019 today. HAL had entered into a contract with the Indian Army for 40 ALH (22 ALH Mk III and 18 Mk IV Rudra) in August 2017. Of the 22 helicopters, 19… Read more »
The Defence Minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman visited HAL Stall here at the on-going Aero India 2019 and evinced keen interest in HAL products displayed at the stall. She witnessed the complete demonstration of tail boom folding and main rotor folding of the Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) which is on display at HAL pavilion as a… Read more »
Within the Aero India 2019 international aerospace exhibition, which was held in the territory of the Yelahanka airbase in the city of Bangalore on February 20-24, the delegation of JSC Rosoboronexport (part of the Rostec Corporation) conducted a series of productive negotiations and consultations with the Indian partners on military and technical cooperation, which resulted in signing… Read more »
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken a lead role in organizing the entire Aero India -2019 to be held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru from February 20 to 24, 2019. Besides providing huge logistic support, HAL will showcase its prowess in defence and aerospace centered on the theme ‘Innovate, Integrate and Lead’. “HAL is… Read more »
Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of State Corporation Rostec) will take part in the 12th edition of Aero India – 2019 from February 20 to 24 in Bangalore, India. Russian Helicopters will showcase the shipborne version of Ka-226T helicopter as well as the vast range of civil-purpose helicopters. This year, the key exhibit at the… Read more »
Rosoboronexport, a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, is showcasing the best products from the Russian defense industry at the Aero India 2019 International Aerospace Exhibition, which will be held from February 20 to 24 at the Yelahanka Air Base in Bangalore, India. “Russia is implementing major and ambitious high-tech manufacturing projects with India, which… Read more »
In a first of its kind, Ministry of Defence has issued Expression of Interest (s) for shortlisting of potential Indian Strategic Partners and foreign OEMs for the ‘Procurement of 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) for the Indian Navy on 12 Feb 19. These helicopters will replace Chetak Helicopters and will be utilised for albeit SAR,… Read more »
The Uttah Pradesh government has recently cleared land acquisition applications for helipads, heliports and airstrips in Mathura, Agra, Varanasi and Allahabad. These cities will soon be accessible by helicopter flights. The government hopes that by connecting these cities by helicopter, they will increase the tourism. The entire project will come to Rs 24.7 reports Times… Read more »
Remaining on the leading edge of helicopter growth in India, Donaldson Aerospace & Defense, a division of Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI) announced the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India’s acceptance of its AW139 and EC130T2 Inlet Barrier Filter (IBF) Supplemental Type Certificates. With the number of helicopters in India expected to increase… Read more »
Fly Blade, Inc. (“BLADE”), a digitally powered-aviation company and the largest arranger of helicopter flights for civilian travel in the United States, has announced the launch of an Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) pilot program in India, initially connecting Mumbai, departing from Juhu and Mahalaxmi, with heliports in Pune and Shirdi. BLADE has formed a Joint… Read more »
During the Tracheal Reconstruction, Heart and Lung Transplant Surgeries workshop, Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan said that they are planning on introducing helicopter ambulance services to the Tamil Nadu area. Specifically, to transport hearts to transplant centres that lack nearby airports, reports The Hindu.
Rotortrade and Indocopters (Vectra Group) announce the signing of a Network Partnership Agreement to offer nose to tail pre-owned helicopter sales, retrofit and support solutions in India. Rotortrade a leading international helicopter dealer and distributor with 6 offices around the world and Indocopters the largest specialist helicopter MRO provider in India based in Greater Noida… Read more »
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and India recently took a significant step toward modernizing the Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet by completing the first flights of Apache and Chinook helicopters destined for delivery next year. “We look forward to delivering this phenomenal capability to India,” said David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift. “From… Read more »
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), announced the sale of an S-76D™ aircraft to the Government of Maharashtra in India. The announcement came during the Farnborough International Airshow. This contract marks the first sale of an S-76D helicopter in India. Delivery is scheduled in 2019. “The S-76D helicopter introduction has been quite successful in… Read more »
The Russian Helicopters holding company, a member of the Rostec State Corporation, delivered six Mi-17-1V vehicles to the border troops of the Republic of India. The vehicles were repaired by the Novosibirsk Aircraft Repair Plant (NARP). “NARP repairs Mi-8/17 type helicopters for a wide circle of foreign operators, but it was its first contract with… Read more »
Russian Helicopters has initiated work on recognition (validation) of the type certificate of the latest Mi-171A2 helicopter in India. At present, negotiations with the aviation authorities of the country (DGCA) on the certification procedure are underway. “Taking into account high potential of cooperation with India in the field of civil aviation, we consider further development… Read more »
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of items in support of a proposed direct commercial sale of six (6) AH-64E Apache helicopters for an estimated cost of $930 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The… Read more »
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) are planning on building eight helipads around the city for more heli-taxi operations. This decision came after the success of the heli-taxi operation between Electronics City and Kempegowda International Airport. The new eight helipads will be maintained by private agencies, who will also build, operate and pay rent to… Read more »
A delegation from the Indian MoD is to visit Kamov Design Bureau of Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec) in order to participate in the demonstration flight of a light utility Ka-226T rotorcraft and to familiarize themselves with its ship-based version. In November 2017, the Government of India approved a tender for the procurement… Read more »
The Indian side approved the technical configuration of the light utility Ka-226T helicopter developed by Russian Helicopters Holding Company to be assembled by Joint Venture Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited in India. The project on the delivery of 200 Ka-226T units and establishment of Ka-226T serial production in India is being implemented under the intergovernmental agreement signed… Read more »
Russian Helicopters Holding Company (part of Rostec State Corporation) has developed a training program for the Indian pilots and technical specialists within the framework of Russian and Indian project for the supply and localization of Ka-226T helicopter production in India. In accordance with this program it is planned to put into operation five simulators for… Read more »
The Indian Government has decided to scrap the bidding process of Pawan Hans. Pawan Hans is a 51:49 joint venture between the government and ONGC. The government had planned to sell their part of the shares. Further details regarding their next steps are still to be announced, reports Web India.
Thumby Aviation is the first helicopter service to provide heli-taxi services to in Bengaluru. They now offer a flight between Electronic City to the airport, cutting the usual 2-hour commute down to 15 minutes. Tickets cost around Rs. 4,130 per seat. The helicopter, a Bell 407, can seat up to 6 passengers, who are only… Read more »
The Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsava Committee in Shravanabelagola has been started a heli-tourism company that will allow tourists and followers to aerially witness the anointment ceremony of Mahamastakabhisheka. The tours last 8 to 10 minutes and charge ₹2,100 per person. They have up until March to determine whether the permit should be extended.
The Indian Government has had a large setback regarding the sale of their 51% stake in Pawan Hans. The sale has failed to attract enough attention, with not enough bidders coming to the table. Two bidders who remain in competition are Global Vectra Helicorp and Continental Helicopters, reports Business Standard.
For the first time in Indian history, as a major boost to defence manufacturing and Government’s ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, HAL has offered the indigenous ‘Advanced Light Helicopter-Dhruv’ (Civil version) for manufacturing to potential Indian private companies through Transfer of Technology. Accordingly, the Company has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for identification of Indian Partner. “Considering the… Read more »
Over the past 30 years, Pawan Hans has been involved in 25 accidents, where 91 people have died. This has caused the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to launch a probe into the company. Five of the 25 cases are still undergoing investigation, but reports show that common findings from all cases include non-fulfillment of… Read more »
The contract between India and Rostec for 48 Mi-17V-5 helicopters will soon be finalised. Rostec CEO, Sergey Chemezov, has commented that negotiations with regards to the delivery have been settled and they are expecting to sign the contract within the first three months of 2018, reports New India Express.
The heliport at Kempegowda Internatial Airport has been completed in only a few months, pushing plans for the construction of the corresponding heliport at Electronics City forward. Construction should begin this week, reports New Indian Express, as the levelling of the location has already begun. Once the heliport is completed, the much awaited heli-taxi service… Read more »
The Gujarat Government has had to postpone the purchase of a police surveillance helicopter. The tender was issued but as only one company made a bid, the government had to cancel the bidding process. They hope to issue a new tender after the elections, reports Times of India.
The Delhi International Airport Limited is looking into exploring the use of helicopters to transport people to cities rather than roads. The discussion was brought up at the 1st Heli Expo India 2017. They are hoping to be able to provide more connectivity for air commuters, reports The Hans India.
Pawan Hans has recently set up Rohini Heliport, the first integrated heliport. It is still being kept separate from the Miniratna PSU’s disinvestment process. It’s operations will be run by AAI, reports EENADU India.
Milestone Aviation Group (“Milestone”) announced today the delivery of a Leonardo AW139 to Heligo Charters Private Limited (Heligo) in India. The delivery marks the fifth helicopter leased to Heligo in 2017, increasing the Mumbai-based operator’s fleet and enabling expansion of both on- and offshore services. Milestone, the global leader in helicopter leasing, began its lease… Read more »
The Indian Government announced on Friday that they have started the process of selling off their stake in operator Pawan Hans. The 51% stake will mean that the Government no longer controls the company, although the remaining 49% will stay with ONGC, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. ONGC was originally fully government owned, although… Read more »
Goa Tourism Development Corporation is looking to reopen the Ela Goa helipad. The helipad is currently not in use, GTDC hopes to start up helicopter rides again in the area. As reported by Times of India, the helipad will be redeveloped if the proposal to reopen goes through.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given the Swiss foundation Helimission permission to provide air ambulance services in Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh government and Helimission are currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding, reports The Times of India. They will provide search and rescue missions as well as relief in the event… Read more »
Able Aerospace Services, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has earned certification by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India to provide a wide spectrum of repair, overhaul and approved replacement parts support for rotor- and fixed-wing aircraft registered in India. For Able, this includes high-quality, cost-saving… Read more »
The Maharashtra Government has made the decision to purchase two new helicopters. One will be used for anti-Naxal campaigns in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur for the police and also for air ambulance services, reports Press Trust of India. The government has also decided to use one of their Eurocopter AS365N3 helicopters for educational purposes.
The Indian Army is planning to purchase 6 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The $655 million contract includes spares, equipment, training, ammunition and weapons, reports HiTech Facts. The purchase is the start of the expansion of the Indian Army’s aviation capacity.
The Maharashtra Government has instructed the department that handles VIP Security to draw up a draft SOP and helipad locations for landing permissions. This was after the discussions at the legislative council. Concern was raised over the seemingly “back to back” helicopter incidents involving the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He thanked the council for their… Read more »
Airbus is currently looking at Dholera and Mundra as prospective sites for their new base to manufacture Panther helicopters. Airbus’s Vice President, Ashish Saraf has commented how the Gujarat state is key in implementing their “India strategy.” They plan to build an aerospace ecosystem at Dholera and Mundra is seeming to be the ideal location… Read more »
Ganga Hospital will soon be operating the first air ambulance service from a private hospital in Tamil Nadu. Ganga Air Ambulance will be working together with OSS Air Management in a two-year contract. Their EMS services will be performed out of an AW109C twin-engine helicopter. A helipad for the service has been constructed at Ganga… Read more »
The Indian Army has taken action and is planning to send ten HAL Dhruv Mk-IVs to Likabali, Assam. They are hoping that the increased amount of weaponized helicopters will help counter the Chinese military that is steadily growing alongside the Sino-Indian border, reports The Diplomat. They hope the squadron will be ready to send in… Read more »
“Russian Helicopters” Holding Company, JSC “Rosoboronexport” (part of Rostec State Corporation) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) registered a joint venture for the production of Ka-226T light helicopters in India. The agreement between the RF and India on the cooperation in the helicopter industry was signed in 2015. In accordance with the document, “Russian Helicopters” together… Read more »
The Aero Expo India-2017 will be held this year from November 2-5. During this time, India will hold their first Heli-Expo in Rohini at Pawan Hans’ Heliport for the last two days of the expo. They are hoping that the expo will help bring in a boost to the regional air connectivity. The Rohini Heliport… Read more »
After the unfortunate crash that killed a flight engineer and injured two pilots, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has suspended all helicopter operations to the Badrinath, Kharsali, Sahastradhara and Harshil helipads. The crash occurred after take-off from the Badrinath shrine, carrying travellers. As reported by Press Trust of India, the State Tourism Minister, Satpal… Read more »
Helicopter had difficulties on take-off and it appears that a crew member jumped from the aircraft prior to it impacting the ground, but was hit by the rotor blades and died – named as Vikram Lamba. Helicopter had its skids ripped off and all four main blades ended up much shorter than they should have… Read more »
Helicopter was flying from Manekpur in Valsad to Himmatnagar when the engine reportedly heated up. Successful safe emergency landing made. VVIP – the Chief Minister of Gujarat (Vijay Rupani) was on board. The actual helicopter involved has not yet been identified and may have been a replacement in any case – after other issues with… Read more »
Helicopter came down less than 30 seconds after take-off. Video shows a sudden spark 41 seconds after take-off on a very low climb-out (which could suggest it hit wires), and the helicopter descended quickly from there. 4 POB including the Chief Minister of the State of Maharashtra, but no significant injuries. The helicopter did not… Read more »
The Rajasthan Government has asked MSTC Ltd to auction their grounded AgustaWestland AW109E. They have agreed to e-auction the helicopter, but will charge a rate of 3% for it. The helicopter was grounded back in 2011, due to a clip in a rotor blade broke. As reported by Times of India, the reserve price of… Read more »
