Air Deccan to spin off its charter business

14 Sep 2007

Deccan Aviation will spin off its charter business soon. That is the official word. "We want to grow this business, not only for corporate travel but for infrastructure," Deccan Aviation''s managing director Capt G R Gopinath told the media. The move may come in two or three months. The new entity may not be listed immediately, he indicated.

While it is not clear at the moment under what name this new entity will operate, going by the recent re-branding exercise at Air Deccan, this division too could have a Kingfisher association. Captain Gopinath says the restructuring could happen in the next three months.

Deccan''s helicopter business is also exploring the possibility of forming a JV with French Aviation Co SCE, to explore business opportunities in mining and geo physical survey, including aerial mapping. It also wants to expand its fleet of 11 helicopters.

"The charter business is poised for a huge explosion. Many wealthy people can afford to use choppers for their business. But though demand has increased, the number of helicopters is very small," Capt Gopinath said.