Visakhapatnam: Pawan Hans Limited has entered into a five-year partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) to support the development of heliport infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh, potentially expanding helicopter-based transportation services and regional air connectivity in the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 13 November 2026 during the 31st CII Partnership Summit 2026 in Visakhapatnam, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The agreement establishes a framework for Pawan Hans to assist the state government in planning, developing and managing heliport infrastructure, covering activities from initial feasibility assessments to long-term operations and maintenance.
The partnership brings together the state-owned helicopter operator and APEDB to support the expansion of aviation infrastructure beyond conventional airports.
However, the announcement does not specify the number of heliports proposed, their locations, the estimated investment or the project implementation schedule.
Pawan Hans to support five areas of heliport development
Under the five-year agreement, Pawan Hans will provide technical and project-related support across five key areas of heliport infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh.
The scope of the MoU includes:
- Pre-feasibility studies: Assessing the initial viability of proposed heliport projects.
- Detailed Project Reports (DPRs): Preparing detailed project documentation for planned developments.
- Project Management Consultancy (PMC): Providing project management and consultancy support during implementation.
- Heliport development: Supporting the development of heliport facilities across the state.
- Operations and Maintenance (O&M): Providing support for the operation and maintenance of developed heliports.
The arrangement covers multiple stages of heliport infrastructure development, positioning Pawan Hans as a technical and operational partner for Andhra Pradesh.
The collaboration is intended to accelerate the development of heliport infrastructure while expanding helicopter-based transportation services and improving regional air connectivity.
The five-year duration provides the framework for the partnership, although specific project milestones, investment commitments and individual development locations have not yet been disclosed.
The agreement was signed by Sagili Shan Mohan, Chief Executive Officer of APEDB, on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board.
Raj Kumar Dubey, Strategic Advisor to the Chairman and Managing Director of Pawan Hans, signed the MoU on behalf of the helicopter operator.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resource Development, IT, Electronics and Communications, and Real Time Governance Nara Lokesh.
Andhra Pradesh Aviation Policy 2026
The partnership comes as Andhra Pradesh advances its aviation infrastructure development agenda under the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Policy 2026.
The policy covers multiple segments of aviation infrastructure and services, including heliports, water aerodromes, helicopter services and seaplane operations.
One of its stated objectives is to provide access to an airport within approximately 150 kilometres across the state.
The inclusion of heliports and helicopter-based services in the policy creates a broader framework for expanding aviation connectivity beyond traditional airport infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, the Pawan Hans agreement provides a mechanism through which the state can access technical expertise in heliport feasibility assessments, project preparation, development and operational management.
The partnership could support the implementation of the state’s heliport infrastructure plans, although the MoU announcement does not identify specific sites or confirm the number of facilities that will be taken up.
