Interview with Mr. BS Singh Deo, Managing Director, Bell Hellicopter, India

How many helicopters made by Bell are in operation in India?
Mr. BS Singh Deo: The 100th commercial Bell helicopter will be delivered during the India Aviation Show in Hyderabad on 15-16 Oct 2008. Our market share is more than 51% in India.

Who are the main operators of Bell helicopters and what are the key applications that your helicopters have been put to?
Mr. BS Singh Deo: The main operators in India are Global Vectra, United Helicharters and Heligo Charters in the Offshore Oil sector. Pawan Hans Helicopters, Deccan Aviation, Span Air, Tran Bharat Airways, Millionaire Executive Jet Services are some of the charter operators offering various Bell models on charter services.

What is the growth potential you see for Bell helicopters in India and have you made any sales projections for India for the coming years?
Mr. BS Singh Deo: Some years ago we had projected a 15% annual growth but actual orders have exceeded this figure. We expect a healthy and consistent growth in the helicopter market in the coming years.

What are the service facilities for Bell helicopters in India and what turnaround time can an operator expect?
Mr. BS Singh Deo: Our design concept is based on high reliability with minimal maintenance effort. Day to day maintenance of our models are generally looked after by the customers themselves. Owners of single or small fleets normally contract day to day maintenance to either Airworks or Deccan Aviation, our two certified Customer Service Facilities in India. Besides, the services of a Bell Customer Service Representative is always available to all our customers free of charge. The CSR is always a phone call away and visits all customers on a regular basis even when not request for any specific maintenance issue.

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