'Extend proposed regional connectivity benefits to choppers'

The proposal to reduce VAT on jet fuel to 1 per cent under the draft civil aviation policy should be extended to helicopters providing regional connectivity, according to non-profit group RWSI.
Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI) works towards developing civil helicopter industry. As per its website, 90 per cent of helicopter operators are its members.
Under the revised draft policy, the Civil Aviation Ministry has proposed a slew of measures, including reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on jet fuel to 1 per cent or less, to boost regional air connectivity.
"The helicopters engaged in regional connectivity/ religious pilgrimage etc may also be included for 1 per cent VAT on ATF," the grouping said in its recent submission made to the ministry on the policy.

As per the policy, Regional Connectivity Scheme would be made operational only in those states which reduce VAT on ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) at airports to 1 per cent or less.
Besides, RWSI has sought inclusion of

"heliports/helipads" under the plan to revive unserved and under-served aerodromes and airstrips.
The grouping has also suggested that custom duty rebate applicable on SCA (Scheduled Commuter Airline) and Scheduled Commercial Airline could be extended to helicopters.
In the much-awaited draft civil aviation policy, the ministry has mooted the concept of SCA for efficient regional connectivity.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has extended the deadline for submitting public comments on the draft policy till November 30. The earlier deadline was November 21.

(REOEPNS DEL23)
Meanwhile, Chemezov said in a statement that Rostec's competitive advantage lies in the fact that they are ready to deal with not only the localization of helicopters in India, but offer partners "the localization of production technology".
"The organization of production of the light Ka-226T in India is a big step forward in the development of business relations between the two countries," said the CEO of the holding company, Russian Helicopters, Alexander Mikheyev.
"Through the implementation of this ambitious project, we plan to strengthen the position of Russian Helicopters in the strategically important South Asian market. I am confident that the project will be successful and will open new prospects for cooperation between India and Russia," he added.

The light multipurpose helicopter Ka-226T, a development of Kamov, is part of the holding company Russian Helicopters.
It is built on the scheme coaxial rotors and features excellent handling and installed power. Ka-226T is equipped with modern navigation equipment. It can easily manoeuvre in both, dense urban (between high-rise buildings) as well as non-urban environments (such as mountains).
The absence of a tail rotor and compact dimensions allows the use of small airfields.
The helicopter has a low noise level and meets the latest environmental requirements. It has a replaceable transport module, which allows a short time to change the functionality of the helicopter.