Deccan may hive off aviation charter unit

Deccan Aviation, in which Vijay Mallya's UB group has picked up 46 per cent stake, may hive off its aviation chartering business into a separate entity. Deccan sources said the board had initiated discussions in this regard. A final decision would be taken later.

In 1997, the company started its journey by starting helicopter chartering. At the moment, the company has 13 helicopters and two business jets for chartering services.

The source said the aviation chartering business generated Rs 70 crore in the last financial year. "This is growing at a decent pace", they said.

Deccan plans to expand the aviation chartering business to tap the huge potential which exists in the areas of helicopter tourism, offshore oil explorations, geophysical mineral and power line survey.

The company had already provided helicopter chartering services to several oil companies for offshore exploration.

Sources said the company was also talking with the West Bengal government for offering helicopter chartering services.

To strengthen operations, Deccan would get delivery of four A320s before August 2008. It presently has 20 A320s and 22 ATR Turboprop aircraft.

After completion of five years of domestic operations, Deccan plans to start fly overseas for which it was eyeing the countries in South-east Asia and West Asia. Deccan would approach the Centre before March 2008 for getting the approval.

Deccan has also jointly given the mandate with Kingfisher Airlines to Accenture, to recommend on how to improve the synergy in operations of the two airlines.