The BJP-JJP authorities in Haryana will quickly buy a 77-crore Airbus chopper for offering air transport providers to the chief minister ML Khattar and governor Bandaru Dattatreya.

A high-powered buy committee of the state authorities, after holding negotiations with Airbus Helicopters, Germany, have finalized the acquisition of Airbus H145-D3 – a twin-engine nine-seater chopper.

An official, who didn’t want to be named, stated, “Through negotiations, the committee was able to save around 3 lakh US Dollars, amounting to 3% of the offered base price. This includes sound proofing the chopper, installing strobe lights and making the cockpit night-vision goggle compatible free of cost.”

‘Existing copter too outdated, VVIP security vital’

The state authorities already has a 10-seater Beechcraft King Air 250, which was bought in 2018 to facilitate VVIPs’ luxurious journey. It had value 62,50,000 US Dollars (round 40 crore on the time).

Justifying the acquisition of the most recent flying machine, officers stated a helicopter (Eurocopter EC-145), which was bought in 2008-09, has a high-maintenance value and was continuously grounded. Therefore, a brand new twin-engine helicopter for VVIPs was sought as a substitute and international bid was floated in December 2021.

The pre-bid assembly was attended by the three unique gear producers – Airbus Helicopters (Germany), Leonardo SpA (Italy) and Bell Textron Aviation (US). A single bid was obtained on the due date of tender submission on March 22 from Airbus Helicopters.

“In view of ageing and frequent grounding of the present helicopter and retaining in thoughts the protection of VVIPs, the provide given by Airbus Helicopters was taken up for analysis by the civil aviation division. A state delegation can even go to the Airbus manufacturing facility after the formal buy order is positioned,” the official said.

To be delivered in 15 months

Airbus has agreed that the helicopter will be delivered in 15 months from the date of signing the purchase agreement. The company will also keep the state government informed about helicopters with similar configuration that are available for sale with a shorter delivery time.

Airbus has also agreed to provide free-of-cost support to the state government for finding a buyer for the Eurocopter EC 145, if the state government wanted to dispose it off. The Eurocopter EC-145 was purchased during Congress’ rule for 5.5 million euros (around 33 crore on the time).