Choppers to scale new heights on energy sector boom

Oil is expected to fuel growth for helicopter operators in the country, in more ways than one. Renewed interest in oil and gas exploration and the New Exploration and Licensing Policy (NELP) are expected to result in very high demand for offshore charter services.
Chopper services providers will also stand to gain from onshore operations like helitourism, religious tourism and airport-to-airport connections. Besides, constant traffic snarls are forcing corporate heads to fall back on helicopter services to be in time for business meetings and other functions. High-flying politicians, too, are seen contributing their mite.
It is little surprise then that players like Pawan Hans, Global Vectra, Deccan Aviation and HeliGo Charters are lining up ambitious expansion plans to meet the projected annual growth rate of 15 per cent.
Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) forecasts the fleet for general aviation to go up from 177 currently to 700-800 by 2020. Choppers would form a significant chunk of this projection.
Pawan Hans, the largest operator in the country with 35 choppers, is placing an order for 20 choppers of long range, medium range and light variety worth nearly Rs 500 crore.
22/11/07 Nirmal John/DNA Money/Sify

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Categories: General Aviation Nov 2007