Last Updated on: 19/08/2020
Humble Beginning
A quarter of century by itself is too short a time span for an organisation to pioneer an industry, achieve nation-level success and earn the appreciation of a nation. Yet, this is precisely what Pawan Hans Ltd. has convincingly attained, by evolving from its primary role - of serving the oil & gas exploration sector and the crucial transportation sector to connect Remotest Corner of the Country, into one of South Asia's largest operators of helicopters & related services for a wide range of sectors.
A Flight of Excellence
The first commercial operations of Pawan Hans for ONGC commenced on 6th October, 1986, with two Helicopters flying from Juhu Aerodrome, Mumbai, to Offshore Rigs after its incorporation in 15th Oct'1985. When Pawan Hans was formed, helicopter operations by Indian Companies were virtually nonexistent and expertise in this field was very limited. Within a year of its commencement of operations, Pawan Hans replaced all the foreign helicopter operators hired by ONGC, thereby saving outflow of valuable foreign exchange and serving national interest.
Enriching the Aviation Human Resource
Over the years, Pawan Hans has scripted a saga of success in the annals of Indian aviation. By providing helicopter services for a diverse range of activities, building the infrastructure, developing the human resource and enhancing the safety levels of helicopter operations for the entire nation, Pawan Hans has emerged as a pioneering leader in India's aviation sector.
A Ready to Fly Fleet, With hopes & Aspiration to Reach
Today, Pawan Hans is much more than just about its millions of flying hours & lakhs of landings for vital off-shore/ on-shore support and pipeline surveillance for the E&P sector. In fact, to a large extent PHL is also about a sense of satisfaction of bringing the remotest corners of the nation into the mainstream, such as its reliable connectivity in India's North Eastern States, as well inter-island connectivity in Andaman & Nicobar & Lakshwadeep islands and many more.
Soaring on the Power of Multi- Terrain Expertise
PHL's role also involves very high levels of precision-flying for Hotline Washing of transmission tower transformers, which allows the power transmission network to run without interruption while the Washing operation is carried out from hovering helicopters. As part of its activities for promoting tourism, PHL is also about a deep-seated commitment to reach people to their desired destinations in absolute comfort and safety, such as its Heli-pilgrimage and other sightseeing services. In addition to VVIP transportation, search & rescue operations for Disaster Management authorities and aerial support for maintenance of internal law & order are part of its multifarious and high-adrenaline operations. On a lighter side, PHL provides charter services to promote Travel and Tourism in India as well special celebrations like joy rides, marriages, birthdays, product launches, crop spraying and many more.
Shareholding Patterns
On the financial performance front, 51% of the shareholding of Pawan Hans Ltd. is with the Government of India, while 49% is with ONGC. Considering the rapidly growing demand for helicopter services in India, as well as keeping in tune with its vision, PHL has been busy developing the human resource for the helicopter industry through its own Pawan Hans Helicopter Training Institute. In addition to high-tech pilot training courses at various levels of experience and expertise, the institute also provides world class training facilities for students to appear for DGCA license exams for various maintenance streams.
Aviation Safety - a Priority above all Activities
In order to give a major fillip to the safety standards in helicopter operations, PHL has set up the National Institute of Aviation Safety & Services, which not only lays the basis for aviation safety through cutting edge HRD, R&D and continuing education programmes, but also helps formulate new standards of safety in tune with the global standards. Plans are also in the offing to not only add several more helicopters to the existing fleet of 43 helicopters, but also to open other aviation institutes, develop Heliports and helipads across the country and form alliances with global aviation leaders.
Diversification - from Rotary Wings to
Taking its 30 years of journey forward by expanding its Service Umbrella for the benefit of Society, today Pawan Hans is not limited to Helicopters only. Pawan Hans is diversifying its operations in developing Heliports/Helipads, planning to commence Amphibian Seaplane and Small Fixed Wing Aircraft services shortly, which shows the transformation of Pawan Hans as per need of the Society.
Soaring At New Heights, Flying to a Brighter Future
PHL surges ahead into its fourth decade of excellence, at the beginning of a bright and full-of-hope , it becomes imperative to look back with pride, at all the achievements and challenges, and look ahead with confidence of leading India into a new era of excellence in aviation.