In a setback to the strategic disinvestment drive, the Indian government has decided not to proceed with privatisation of Pawan Hans due to questions raised on the integrity of the winning bidder. Even though the government followed an open and competitive bidding process for Pawan Hans, the nature of allegations against the winning bidder has forced the government's hand.
The privatisation of the entity was seen to be in the interest of employees as new investors would have infused more funds to turn around the helicopter transport business. As of March 2023, no decision has yet been taken on whether the government will restart the privatisation process of the company.
The government's Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had earlier approved Star9 Mobility Private Limited's bid to buy the government's 51 percent stake in public sector helicopter service provider Pawan Hans Limited for Rs 211 crore on April 29, 2022. But several questions about the privatisation of the PSU remained unanswered and there are unsolved doubts about the identity of its new potential owner.
Star9 Mobility had won the bid by quoting Rs 211 crore for the government's 51 percent stake in the loss-making helicopter firm. On April 29, 2022, the empowered ministerial panel had approved the winning bid by Star9.
Star9 Mobility is a consortium of three different entities- Maharaja Aviation Private Limited, which owns 25 percent, Big Charter Private Limited (with 26 percent stake) and Almas Global Opportunity Fund with the remaining 49 percent. The consortium was supposed to acquire the remaining 49 percent of Pawan Hans, which belongs to the public sector energy giant ONGC, at the same price per share.
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Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Cruising Heights.
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Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
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PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
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Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
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POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
