Global Vectra signs pact with Airbus for supply of parts

Domestic private chopper operator Global Vectra has inked a pact with European aviation major Airbus, which entails replacement of defective components of its H130 helicopters within 24 hours with no upfront payment.

Global Vectra Helicopters Limited (GVHL) is the first customer globally to select this newly re-designed cost-effective 'parts-by-the-hour' (PBH) contract for light helicopters, Airbus Helicopters in release said today.

GVHL's H130 will be covered by the HCare Smart PBH service, which has been developed with careful consideration of the support required by operators of light helicopters, it said.

The HCare Smart is a competitively-priced PBH programme with no upfront payment required for new contracts. Under the programme, defective components will be exchanged within 24 hours as it provides for a dedicated spare parts pool to the customers opting for such a programme, the release said.

Besides, according to Airbus, the programme also provides the operator an enhanced availability of fleet, stable maintenance cost. Besides, the need to keep inventory is also reduced.

"With the increasing number of light helicopters operating in India, the PBH programme presents a new standard in the comprehensive support of single-engine helicopter fleet in the country," Airbus Helicopters India Managing Director Xavier Hay said.

GVHL is India's largest private helicopter company, which inducted the first H130 in India for its on-shore operations division offering charters and religious tourism services among others.

"The H130 has performed outstandingly, including several months of operations in the Himalayas. We are confident that the HCare Smart PBH programme will provide us with optimal availability of the aircraft for daily shuttle operations at the highest quality and safety standards," GVHL chief executive A J Baker said.