(a) whether the Government propose to strengthen Pawan Hans Helicopter operations by a series of major investments;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government propose to extend the operations of Pawan Hans abroad;
(d) if so, the details of the contract bagged by the company;
(e) whether the Government also propose to set up a Pawan Hans hub in Karnataka for southern operations;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) the details of new services started by Pawan Hans since 1998?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN )
(a) and (b):- No, Sir. However, Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL) has plans to acquire additional capacity during the 10th Plan period from internal resources/market borrowings.
(c) and (d):- Yes, Sir. PHHL plans to deploy helicopters for operations abroad as part of its long-term business strategy, but has not yet reached the stage of bagging a contract.
(e):- No, Sir.
(f):- Does not arise.
(g):- PHHL does not operate any scheduled passenger services. It provides helicopters on charter basis to various Public Sector Undertakings like ONGC, NHPC, GAIL, etc. and State Governments. PHHL provided helicopter services for the pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine from April, 2000 to October, 2001. Helicopters were also provided by the Company for XVIII and XIX Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica.