A nonscheduled operation can be defined as an air transport service other than scheduled air transport service and that may be on charter basis and/or non-scheduled basis. The operator is not permitted to publish time table for the flights or issue tickets to its passengers. Non scheduled operators together constitute the General Aviation market. Today the General Aviation market in India is very attractive with a growth rate of 10% annually and expected to cross 16,000 crores by FY 2016-17. Industry sources indicate that around 300 business jets, 300 small aircrafts and 250 helicopters are expected to be added in the current GA fleet by FY-17. A total investment of more than Rs 20,000 crores in General Aviation is expected during the 12th Plan period.
Today business jets are no longer seen as a luxury but as a tool for enhancing productivity. Tourism is another key growth driver for general aviation in India. The helicopter market in India is equally promising, with growing requirements in tourism, mining, corporate travel, air Ambulance and homeland security.
As of January 31, 2012, a total number of 167 companies are holding Non-Scheduled Operators Permit as against 99 companies as of 2008. Helicopter operators seem to be in great demand due to factors such as the increasing need for connectivity between north eastern states in India, Remote Tourist destinations,air ambulance services to ensure medical care at critical times, increase in VIP charter/Business charter segment and a host of other related travel services.
BUSINESS PLAN
Fleet Selection:
The primary step in charting out a business plan would be the type of helicopter that the operator would wish to operate. It is the intention of the company to operate helicopters for the following missions, though not arranged in order of priority:
- Oil and Gas exploration
- Corporate Charter
- Private Charter
- Religious/Holiday tour packages.
Hence a helicopter capable of performing multi mission roles is preferred. After a thorough analysis, the following helicopters have been zeroed upon; the Bell 412EP and the Eurocopter EC 155B1. DGCA regulations for helicopter operations in off shore conditions mandate use of a twin engine helicopter with 2 pilots and hence the 2 helicopters were chosen. Also multi mission capability is essential for inter operability between different missions. A detailed analysis of the technical capabilities and operating costs will give us the desired information on selecting one of these helicopters. Both these helicopters will be evaluated on 10
Business Description:
1. Brief summary of the business/industry: Business is that of a non scheduled operator having only helicopters in its fleet. With necessary regulations from DGCA, the company plans to compete primarily in the off shore exploration sector followed by the corporate and private charter. Initially starting with a fleet of EC 155 B1 helicopters capable of multi mission roles, the company will look towards expansion in terms of fleet acquisition and setting up of a dedicated maintenance base in the longer run of its operations.
2. Growth patterns in the industry: Non scheduled operator’s business commonly referred to as a constituent of the general aviation market is slated to grow at an average of 10% and reach 16,000 crores by the end of fiscal 2017, according to the working group’s report on civil aviation for the 12th five year plan. Huge opportunities exist in the off shore exploration sector since utilization rates of helicopters in off shore sector is quite low at present and with discoveries being made in new oil basins, it becomes all the more attractive.
