Pawan Hans keen to start chopper services

To explore the possibility to start Pawan Hans operations in Odisha

Pawan Hans Ltd, the state-run helicopter operator is keen to start commercial operations from Bhubaneswar to Paradip, Puri, Konark and Chilika.

"We are here to explore the possibility to start Pawan Hans operations in the state. Two-three routes have been discussed. They are Bhubaneswar to Paradip and a link from Bhubaneswar to Konark, Puri and Chilka. Pawan Hans is interested to provide services in the state", said B P Sharma, chairman and managing director (CMD), Pawan Hans after a meeting with Chief secretary GC Pati and other state government officials.

A detailed discussion was held to start operations from Bhubaneswar to Paradip.

"As they cannot run full-fledged commercial operations from Bhubaneswar to Paradip, they have requested for subsidy support say for a period of one to two years. The Indian Oil Corporation and Paradip Port Trust will examine the demands of the Pawan Hans", said GVV Sharma, secretary, General Administration department. For promoting tourism, the modalities will also worked out for providing services to Konark from Bhubaneswar, he added.

While Union government holds 51 per cent share and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has 49 per cent share in Pawan Hans . It 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.

Pawan Hans is one of the Asia's largest helicopter company that maintains and operates by offering wide range of services to its clients through its fleet of 46 helicopters.