Global Vectra Aims for India Charters, Expands Fleet

COMMERCIAL

India’s Global Vectra plans to expand its charter operations, dedicating a portion of its fleet to corporate charters, air tours, flights catering to religious and adventure tourists and other non-scheduled services.

India’s markets for helicopter services on shore is growing at 18-20 percent or more, according to company officials, compared to 14-15 growth in its offshore markets. "The focus of our operations will be offshore services," said Global Vectra’s chairman, Lt. Gen. S.J.S. Saighal, "but we will increasingly look at opportunities in the onshore charter market."

By the end of 2009, Global Vectra aims to derive a quarter of its revenue from onshore operations. The company also is contemplating expanding into international markets.

Officials indicated that it was exploring the possibility of operating in international markets close to India. International operations might involve Global Vectra’s entry into to joint ventures with another operator.

Global Vectra plans to add two Bell Helicopter 412s and three Eurocopter EC155s to its fleet by the end of this year. The company is a launch customer for Eurocopter’s new EC175, which is aimed, in part, at the offshore market. The company has placed six orders for that aircraft, the first of which are to be delivered in 2012.