India, now has an integrated heliport. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju inaugurated the new facility today, on February 28. Here are 10 things to know.

India, now has an integrated heliport. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju inaugurated the new facility today, on February 28. The heliport has been built by Pawan Hans, a state-owned firm. The terminal building created at the heliport has the capacity of 150 passengers. In total, the integrated heliport can handle 4 hangars which have the capacity to park 16 helicopters.

It also has 9 parking bays inside. Additionally, the heliport also has other significant capabilities, including maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. This heliport will reduce the congestion at the Delhi Airport, significantly. The heliport also can be used for disaster management and emergency medical services. It will also provide skill development programs for engineers and pilots. This move by the civil aviation ministry will provide a major boost to the regional connectivity scheme as it will connect many smaller areas with the national capital. Here are some of the facts that you should know about India’s first integrated heliport that has been set up in New Delhi:

1. The dedicated heliport has been built in New Delhi by state-owned Pawan Hans. Pawan Hans has carried out the Rohini heliport project for the Civil Aviation Ministry.

2. The heliport had been undergoing successful trail runs for a year.

3. The integrated heliport has come up at an investment of Rs 100 crore.

4. The heliport, set up at Rohini area of North Delhi, consists of a terminal building having a capacity of 150 passengers, four hangars with a parking capacity of 16 helicopters and nine parking bays.

5. The heliport has a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility also for the upkeep of Pawan Hans fleet as well as for third-party maintenance work.

6. Rohini facility is India’s first integrated facility for rotor wing aircraft including their landing and takeoff. It has a separate air traffic control (ATC), fire and fuelling services area.

7. Pawan Hans had successfully carried out trial sorties from the heliport in February last year and had planned to go for full-scale chopper operations from May.

8. The commencement of services from here is also expected to reduce congestion at the Delhi Airport, which currently handles about 40-50 helicopter arrivals and departures on an average per day besides the large-scale fixed-wing operations.

9. The heliport will also be used for operating services for disaster management, emergency medical services, law and order surveillance as well as a centre for the skill development of pilots and engineers.

10. Rohini heliport will also promote regional air connectivity through helicopters in the northern region, once the regional connectivity scheme is fully functional.