Vman Aviation Services signed a firm order with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the civil version of five light utility helicopters (LUH) with the option of five more. The deliveries will start by 2025 as the Directorate General of India (DGCA) certification rolls in. Vman is an Indian leasing service firm based in International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat's Gift City.
According to HAL, the LUH is an under-development, new-generation helicopter in the three-ton class, incorporating the state-of-the-art technology features such as a glass cockpit with Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and powered by a single Turbo Shaft engine.
Vman said that the helicopter will cater to a wide range of operating conditions from very high-altitude to very temperature desert operations. It will be used for a wide range of roles including charter, shuttle, urban mobility, HEMS, aerial work, search & rescue, and law enforcement.
This transaction holds importance as it will help initiate an ecosystem loop where Indian-manufactured equipment will be offered by an Indian leasing company. The Government of India had rolled out several incentives and tax holidays on capital gains on aircraft leasing conducted at Gift city in Gujrat, earlier this year.
Interestingly, Vman is also one of the first Indian companies to sign an aircraft purchase agreement through GIFT city after placing an order for an Airbus H125 helicopter.
Vishok Mansingh, CEO of Vman said: “India has one of the lowest penetrations of helicopters with limited operation profile. We believe LUH, with its customer-focused design, will rejuvenate and expand the helicopter market in India. LUH will be a valuable asset in our portfolio."
Meanwhile, the Government of India is leaving no stone unturned to capture the helicopter market in the country. Recently the government launched three schemes to promote the use of helicopters, smaller carriers, and electric verticals. The Government has come out with guidelines for fractional ownership of aircraft and helicopters in India to facilitate the movement of (Non-Scheduled Operator's Permit) NSOP in India. Also, to increase the use of helicopters in India the government is in talks with developers to make it mandatory to include helipads as part of development plans for any new national highways.
Going ahead, the government of India has ambitious plans to increase the intercity and intracity helicopter connectivity in the country along with introducing dedicated helicopter corridors
The geographical features of India coupled with the rising population will in the future make the helicopter the primary mode of travel, looking at the alarming traffic conditions and soaring pollution levels in the country.