New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation is planning to strengthen India’s helicopter infrastructure and expand regional air connectivity by exploring opportunities in seaplane operations and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with Pawan Hans expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s aviation growth.
Addressing the 42nd Foundation Day celebrations of Pawan Hans, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government was committed to supporting the helicopter operator’s expansion as India advances towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Under the UDAN scheme, the government plans to develop 200 modern heliports across the country, with a focus on aspirational districts, hilly areas and island destinations. The initiative will also support the acquisition of additional civilian helicopters to strengthen regional connectivity.
Notably, Pawan Hans Limited is a Mini Ratna-I public sector undertaking in India that operates as a national helicopter carrier under the ownership of the Ministry of Civil Aviation
Naidu said two civilian Dhruv helicopters manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had already been inducted into Pawan Hans’s fleet as part of its modernisation drive, while six more were expected to be delivered. In addition, two civilian helicopters are planned for procurement under the new UDAN scheme.
Highlighting the company’s contribution to the aviation sector over the past four decades, Naidu said Pawan Hans had established a significant presence across diverse operational segments, including religious tourism, offshore exploration, and oil and gas operations. He stressed the need for the company to expand its services to tap emerging opportunities in regional connectivity, emergency medical transportation and access to remote areas.
The minister also underscored the potential of helicopter ambulance services in improving access to emergency healthcare, alongside the expansion of helicopter connectivity to religious destinations. The proposed development of heliports is expected to facilitate access to remote and geographically challenging locations where conventional airport infrastructure may be difficult to establish.
The ministry is simultaneously working to revive and expand seaplane operations, with plans extending beyond Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to inland destinations with suitable water bodies. Naidu said discussions were underway with state governments to identify viable routes and destinations, adding that the government wanted Pawan Hans to re-enter the segment after its earlier operations around 2010.
The government is also looking towards emerging aviation technologies, particularly eVTOL aircraft, which use electric propulsion and are designed for vertical take-off and landing. With the technology expected to gain traction over the next two years, the ministry wants Pawan Hans to explore opportunities in this sector. Naidu also expressed support for aircraft leasing and fractional ownership models to help aviation operators expand their fleets.
Discussions with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, are underway to examine ways to facilitate these arrangements.
On expanding helicopter services from Delhi’s Rohini helipad, Naidu said the facility held strategic importance because of its connectivity to the National Capital Region and the presence of Pawan Hans’s maintenance infrastructure. The government intends to increase operations from Rohini while developing helicopter facilities at other locations across the country.
Addressing concerns over rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and their impact on airfares, the minister said the ministry was engaging with airlines and other stakeholders to ensure that air travel remained affordable. He acknowledged the challenges posed by fluctuating fuel prices and emphasised the need for cooperation from oil marketing companies and airlines. The ministry is facilitating discussions on the existing fare stabilisation framework to explore ways to keep airfares reasonable, particularly during periods of high seasonal demand.
The minister urged people to utilise Pawan Hans’s services, particularly its helicopter operations for the Char Dham pilgrimage, while encouraging the company to extend connectivity to newer destinations. With the proposed expansion of heliports and helicopter fleets, renewed efforts to develop seaplane services and the exploration of next-generation aviation technologies, the government sees Pawan Hans as a key contributor to improving regional connectivity and advancing India’s long-term aviation ambitions.
