HAL launches heli ambulance, charter service

Bangalore, Oct 14 (UNI) Public Sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), scripting yet another chapter in its long list of achievements, today launched a specially designed Chetak helicopter for emergency medical evacuation and air charter services here.

HAL Chairman Ashok K Baweja formally inaugurated the operations of 'Vayu Vahan' at the Rotary Wing Academy in Bangalore airport.

The helicopter was designed to undertake emergency evacuation of patients from areas around Bangalore to the main hospitals in the city which were equipped with a helipad.

Mr Baweja said, ''We are extending this facility to all persons, organisations and hospitals. The launch of the air ambulance service is in keeping with the unparalleled growth in the aviation sector.

This initiative will bring aviation industry to the door steps of the masses.'' He said the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) would soon be pressed into service as part of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services.

The charge would be Rs 25,000 per hour for medical evacuation and Rs 55,000 per hour for normal charter operations, he added.

HAL Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (Retd) C D Upadhya said 'Vayu Vahan' would play a pivotal role in saving lives within the 'golden hour'.

HAL had set up a control room to receive SOS/charter calls to undertake the operations. Depending on the feasibility, a confirmation would be given quickly, he added.

UNI MSP GD PV BS1901