Thanks to the growing interest of leading Indian corporates in oil and gas exploration and production, helicopter transport service providers are going in for a massive fleet expansion.
What more, some of the corporate houses are even exploring options to acquire helicopters to supplement their offshore venture.
The list of helicopter transport service providers that have been planning expansion includes Deccan Aviation, Global Vectra Helicorp, United Heli Charters and Pavan Hans.
According to industry sources, increased oil exploration activities by public and private sector entities have led to high demand for the helicopter transport services industry, particularly for timely transporting of crew members and cargo to oil rigs.
Helicopters are also deployed in a variety of other sectors, including forestry, mining, emergency medical services, construction, mapping, electronic news gathering, law enforcement, power line maintenance, fire fighting, search and rescue.
Delhi-based offshore logistics company Global Vectra Helicorp is planning to acquire 17 helicopters. The company is currently operating with 12 helicopters. It plans to increase its fleet to 29 by the end of FY 09.
Till now, Global Vectra had operated only the Bell 412 helicopter model for medium range operations.
In order to facilitate deep water exploration, the company is planning to induct technologically advanced Eurocopter EC 155B1 long range helicopter to its fleet.
Bangalore-based Deccan Aviation has firmed up plans to add five more to its existing fleet of nine, including brands from Bell Helicopter and Eurocopter.
"We are looking at acquiring one single-engine helicopter and one twin-engine helicopter. In addition, we will plan to acquire twin-engine turbo prop. Total acquisition cost for the year will be over $18 million," said Deccan Aviation Director Capt Jayanth Pooviah.
State-run Pavan Hans is also in the process of acquiring seven more helicopters shortly. At present, it runs a fleet of 30 helicopters consisting of Bell and Eurocopter.Indian corporate houses involved in oil exploration activities are also in talks with helicopter manufacturer companies.
"Leading Indian companies are planning to add more helicopters to support their offshore activities. Two companies are planning to renew their fleet by going for upgraded version of helicopters," a senior representative of helicopter manufacturer said. However, he refused to identify the corporate entities.