India’s aviation sector is looking at an investment of $30 billion in the next 15 years to meet growing passenger and cargo traffic. “In India, 12 greenfield airports are currently being developed, as the country’s unique geographical position offers an opportunity to become a global hub for airlines. A total of 142 million passengers checked in and out of airports across the country during 2010-11, marking a growth of 15% over the previous year,” says Aviation Secretary Nasim Zaidi.

The state-run Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. (PHHL) has been is looking to upgrade its fleet, but first must face increasing scrutiny following two high-profile accidents. The wreckage of a Pawan Hans Eurocopter AS350 B3 Ecureuil helicopter that was carrying an Indian minister and four others was found May 4 after the aircraft went missing for nearly five days. The Indian government indicated that Chief Minister of the northeastern state of Arunachal, Pradesh Dorjee Khandu, was killed in the crash, along with the four others aboard.

Air India has issued a tender for wet-leasing Airbus and Boeing aircraft to meet urgent operational requirements, and to launch new routes. According to a company official, “Air India requires aircraft from amongst narrowbody aircraft A320 series/737NG series, and medium-capacity widebody aircraft 777 series/A330 series aircraft.”