Pawan Hans to acquire 2 seaplanes, 20 choppers

State-run Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) plans to acquire two seaplanes and 20 helicopters in the current fiscal as part of its expansion plans, the company said on Friday. PHL, in which government holds 51 per cent stake and the rest are with the oil PSU, Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), has also said it is looking at setting up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business as well under the ‘Make in India’ programme. “PHL is preparing a business plan keeping in view the industry trends, future challenges and growth opportunities in the domestic aviation space including in helicopters, seaplanes, small fixed wing aircraft segment as well as development of heliports and MRO facilities under ‘Make in India’ initiatives,” Pawan Hans Limited said in a release. The company said it was keeping the option open for the planned acquisition of two seaplanes and 20 new helicopters in various categories--light, medium and heavy, adding, it could be through the out-right purchase or by way of leasing.