Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has urged Pawan Hans to expand beyond helicopter services into seaplane operations and emerging aviation technologies, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The government is exploring new avenues to improve regional connectivity and increase the availability of aircraft as demand for air travel continues to rise.
Naidu highlighted Pawan Hans’ earlier experience with seaplane services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which began in 2010, and encouraged the company to re-enter the segment. He said the government was assessing potential destinations beyond Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including inland locations with suitable water bodies. State governments are being consulted to identify viable routes and destinations.
The minister also encouraged Pawan Hans to explore eVTOL technology, saying electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles could become a reality within the next two years. He noted that Skyhawk was already operating in the sector and said the government wanted Pawan Hans to enter the market as discussions with states progressed towards identifying suitable destinations.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is supporting Pawan Hans through the induction of domestically manufactured helicopters. Four civilian Dhruv helicopters manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have already been provided as part of the company’s fleet renewal, while six more are expected. Naidu also said the new UDAN scheme would support the development of 200 modern heliports across the country, including in aspirational districts, hilly regions and island destinations, alongside the procurement of two new civilian helicopters.
The government is also examining fractional aircraft ownership and leasing as ways to increase the number of aircraft available in India. Naidu said discussions were under way with industry stakeholders, with the Ministry of Finance also involved in the process. He added that feedback from stakeholders would help shape measures to facilitate these arrangements and bring more aircraft into service.
Emphasising the need to expand India’s aircraft fleet, Naidu said rising passenger demand required additional capacity and that the government would support models that could help increase aircraft availability. Fractional ownership and leasing could provide further avenues for airlines and operators to access aircraft. The initiatives form part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure, improve regional connectivity and explore new technologies and operating models.