Heritage Aviation Expands Fleet with Two Airbus Helicopters for Enhanced UDAN Operations in India
Heritage Aviation, a charter operator based at Delhi International, is set to expand its operations under India’s Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) regional connectivity scheme. The company has recently placed an order for two Airbus Helicopters, marking a significant step in its transition to passenger operations. The order includes one H125 and one H130T2 helicopter, gearing Heritage Aviation up for enhanced service under the UDAN scheme.
This move by Heritage Aviation comes on the heels of the company securing several new helicopter routes in the latest UDAN tender. Rohit Mathur, CEO of Heritage Aviation, highlighted the transformative impact of the UDAN scheme on the Indian helicopter sector. He expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Civil Aviation for making the scheme more attractive for operators by streamlining various norms.
The UDAN initiative is a critical component of India’s strategy to improve connectivity between smaller towns and major cities. It offers operators like Heritage Aviation subsidies to operate specific routes under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) model. Furthermore, the scheme includes incentives such as waived airport fees for UDAN flights and complimentary services including security, electricity, and fire-fighting facilities.
Mathur emphasized that the support from the ministry and the UDAN scheme has inspired confidence in Heritage Aviation to invest further in helicopter operations. The company expects the six-seater H125 to arrive in March 2024, followed by the seven-seater H130T2 in November of the same year. These helicopters are slated to operate as scheduled flights on regional connectivity routes in Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
The growing demand for helicopter services in India was also echoed by Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia. Speaking at a recent aviation conference, Guglani pointed out the sector’s gradual progress and the emerging opportunities for passenger shuttle services, particularly in charter operations. This perspective aligns with Heritage Aviation’s strategic move to enhance its fleet and services.
Additionally, Airbus’s engagement in the Indian market extends beyond Heritage Aviation. Recently, Airbus signed a by-the-hour services contract with HeliGo Charters for six H145 helicopters, underscoring the rising interest in helicopter services in the region.
Heritage Aviation’s latest move is indicative of the burgeoning potential in India’s regional aviation sector, particularly under the government-backed UDAN scheme. It highlights a growing trend towards enhancing air connectivity in underserved areas, thereby fostering economic growth and accessibility.