Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL) is facing rough weather, as its commercial helicopter services in the North East have been suspended for a month following the death of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu and four others in a chopper crash. Chairman and Managing Director R K Tyagi speaks to Probal Basak on the company's expectation about restoration of the services in the region, its other activities and future plans. Edited excerpts:
Following the death of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and others in a chopper crash, the service of Pawan Hans has been suspended temporarily in the North East. When do you expect the service to be restored?
We have carried out an internal assessment of operations and maintenance activities. Currently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) audit is in progress and their report is awaited. The services will be restored in the region shortly thereafter.
Was there any pressure from the DGCA or the civil aviation ministry to suspend the services?
The helicopter services in the North East were put on hold in consultation with DGCA and the civil aviation ministry.
Though investigations are on, prima facie do you think there was any fault from your side as the chopper carrying the Arunachal CM was a single-engine copter, while in case of a VIP, a double-engine chopper should have been used?
The helicopter was wet-leased to the state government for a year to meet their requirement for visits to far-flung project sites and disaster management. The helicopter was deployed for the use of the civil aviation department and the state government. The list of passengers is given before the commencement of flight. The question, whether a passenger is safe in a single engine or twin-engine helicopter is raised when there is an accident.
It is public perception that two engines are better than one as there are a large number of twin-engine aircraft used in commercial fixed wing operation. But the fact is, these choppers are unique in their operation and are operated in difficult terrain and environment.
How much loss have you suffered due to the suspension of services?
No doubt, the commercial aspect is involved, but for PHHL, safety of operations is paramount.
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What extra measures will you take once the service is restored?
All safety measures are already in place. However, we will further strengthen our safety oversight mechanism and work on the recommendations of the inquiry committees and audits reports.
You were looking for expansion of your service in the region. Do you think the accidents will hamper the plan?
We have worked very hard and sincerely on the expansion of our services, as we believe we can contribute to the development of the North East. Keeping in view the requirement of the region and aspirations of people for development, PHHL has already placed orders for new helicopters.
How is your operation going on in other parts of the country?
Our operations are normal. We have offshore operations in Mumbai where we are flying for ONGC. We have passenger services under the aegis of the state governments of Lakshadweep and the administrations among various other services.
You are setting up a training academy in Pune. What is the status of the project? Do you plan more such centres?
The training academy is progressing well. We are in the process of building infrastructure for the academy. The helicopter industry is on growth path and definitely more training academies are required to meet the future requirements. However, the requirement will be assessed after successful completion of the Pune project.
You were conferred with mini-ratna status recently. Where do you see Pawan Hans in another five years? What is the growth opportunity for the company?
We are proud to have achieved a milestone and being conferred mini-ratna status. The helicopter industry has huge potential for expansion and PHHL will be one of the leading companies in the world and provide helicopter services in all roles like police, offshore, heli-tourism, passenger service etc; helicopter maintenance, repair and operations services and skilled manpower for the helicopter industry.
