Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) has recently inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airbus Helicopters.

The MoU has been signed for collaboration on future introduction of two new categories of helicopters — H145 and H225 — in its fleet, as well as for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of its existing AS365N Dauphin helicopters. Means the strategic deal also covers maintenance of existing Dauphins.

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As per the reports The government of India owns 51 per cent stake in Pawan Hans while the rest is with ONGC.

Pawan Hans Ltd will be recieving the two new range of helicopters over five years to its fleet. The MoU agreement also covers customized training and an on-site Safety Management System (SMS) for PHL pilots.

The MoU also binds in the agreement that Airbus Helicopters will provide full support and expertise PHL in developing its onshore, offshore and inland travel markets by introducing best-in-class H145 and H225 rotorcrafts into its fleet.



Airbus Helicopters will also provide predictive and scheduled MRO services for AS365N Dauphin helicopters.

PHL currently has 37 units deployed for offshore oil and gas operations, Very Important People (VIP) transportation and other utility duties.

H145 and H225 are multi-role helicopters. The 11 tonne twin-engine H225 helicopter can also be used for long-distance offshore operations, such as PHL’s inter-island operations around the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.

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However, some years back Pawan Hans also had announced its plan to jointly develop the MRO with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for maintaining defence choppers fleet.HAL has been manufacturing and overhauling its Cheetah or Chetak and Dhruv helicopters, besides providing support.

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“The MRO business of Indian carriers is around Rs 5,000 crore, 90 per cent of which is currently spent outside India – in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE,” Raju had said.

He further added “Given our technology and skill base, the government is keen to develop India as an MRO hub in Asia, attracting business from foreign airlines while retaining domestic business.”