It’s Vayu Vahan: HAL launches Heli ambulance, charter service

   Scripting yet another chapter to its long list of achievements, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) launched a specially designed Chetak helicopter for emergency medical evacuation and air charter services in Bangalore on Saturday. 

     At a simple function, HAL Chairman Mr Ashok K. Baweja formally inaugurated the operations of Vayu Vahan at the Rotary Wing Academy situated in Bangalore Airport.

The helicopter is designed to undertake emergency evacuation of patients from areas around Bangalore to the main hospitals in the city, which are equipped with a helipad. “We are extending this facility to all persons, organisations and hospitals,” Mr Baweja said.  

     Speaking at the inaugural function, Mr Baweja said the launch of the air ambulance service is in keeping with the unparalleled growth in the aviation sector. “This initiative would bring aviation industry to the door-steps of the masses. The concept of air ambulance is very popular abroad and the need for it in India has been felt by the medical fraternity for quite some time now,” Mr Baweja said.  

     Lauding the efforts of the Rotary Wing Academy, the only helicopter academy in India, Mr Baweja said, with the launch of Vayu Vahan, HAL is committed towards its corporate social responsibility. HAL will charge Rs 25,000 (per hour) for all planned and unplanned medical evacuations. The cost of normal charter operations is fixed at Rs 55,000 (per hour).Mr Baweja also announced that HAL’s star product, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, would soon be pressed into service as part of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). 

     HAL Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (Retd) C.D. Upadhyay said Vayu Vahan would play a pivotal role in saving lives within the ‘golden hour.’ He thanked the DGCA for extending its cooperation for the timely launch of this service. “HAL has set up a control room to receive SOS/charter calls to undertake the operations. Depending on the feasibility, a confirmation will be given quickly,” Upadhyay said.

It may be recalled that, during a recent national seminar on HEMS, many experts had felt that the Dhruv would be an ideal vehicle for mass-scale evacuation of casualty cases during natural calamities. They had taken a keen interest to inspect the Dhruv, which was fitted with all medical accessories and specially modified for HEMS. 

     Those interested to avail the services of Vayu Vahan may contact: 080-25221751, 080-25231542 or +919845681510.

 HAL Chairman Mr Ashok K. Baweja and Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (Rtd) C.D. Upadhyay inspect the Vayu Vahan – HAL’s emergency medical and air charter service helicopter  before its take-off in Bangalore on Saturday.

HAL’s Vayu Vahan takes off from the Rotary Wing Academy after it was formally launched for the public, hospitals and corporate houses in Bangalore on Saturday.