The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL) signed an MoU to establish a joint venture at Rohini in Delhi to carry out the maintenance work related to all types of helicopters and address the needs of defence and civil markets in India and other countries.

P. Ashok Gajapati Raju, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Rajiv Nayan Choubey, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, T. Suvarna Raju, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, Dr B.P. Sharma, CMD of PHL and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

According Raju, both the companies will form a joint working team and conduct detailed studies, work on business plan, time line and other required documents for the success of the venture. HAL has been manufacturing and overhauling its Cheetah/Chetak and Dhruv helicopters besides providing support for Seaking helicopter. The PHL is the largest civil helicopter operator in the country.

Helicopter business of HAL presently contributes to sizeable business of HAL. In years to come, this business segment will grow fast. The fleet size of helicopters in civil segment in India is expected to go up to 800 in the next 10 years. In addition, there is expected induction of 600 helicopters in defence.