Tatas eye copter servicing

AERO INDIA 2007

The Tata group, which owns a few MD Explorer helicopters, is planning to enter the helicopter servicing business in partnership with Action Aviation.

Action Aviation, headed by former Logica CMG India chief Hamish Harding, is into marketing helicopters and executive jets in West Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Scandinavia.

The helicopters are made by MD Helicopters of Mesa, Arizona, a subsidiary of the Netherlands-based MD Helicopters of the RDM Group and the business jets by Sino Swearingen

"By owning helicopters for the past two years, the Tatas have built significant servicing capabilities in India. It is this expertise they are planning to capitalise on by entering the servicing business which will be based at Juhu aerodrome," said Harding.

The group is also looking to buy a few more helicopters. Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata Sons, said, "We own three helicopters, of which one was loaned to Vijay Mallya, and we plan to buy a few more."

Action Aviation, through its association with the Tatas, is exploring opportunities for selling multi-role helicopters in the country with the Tatas being the main servicing partner. "India has been a hit for us for we have already sold or are in the process of closing orders for six helicopters. We expect to close the year with $40 million orders," said Harding.

Along with MD helicopters, the company is also pitching for business jets with many business houses.

"We are to close the year with sale of five business jets," said Harding.

"There is a huge potential in India as an aircraft is bought or sold every third day. India is witnessing sales of 100 aircraft a year. The market is growing at 10-15 per cent and we are aiming at $30 million orders in business jets," he added.