‘In India service is key and we ensure customer satisfaction’

SP’s ShowNews (SP’s): How do you view the potential of the Indian market?

Xavier Hay (Hay): India’s growth potential is obvious. As a part of the BRIC nations, India is the key. Latin American and European markets have already matured and hence expansion and hopes for resizing and redoubling will come from new segments like India, which is a strategic country. Thanks to its geography and environment, India will need a large number of helicopters. We have a long history of partnership with India including with HAL and Pawan Hans. India has great engineering capability not only for maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO), but also for global processing for all needs.

SP’s: Can you elaborate on your MRO services in India?

Hay: We have three MRO facilities in the country: in Mumbai in partnership with Pawan Hans, Delhi in partnership with Indocopter and Bangalore in partnership with Deccan. We are looking at increasing our proximity with our customers by opening maintenance centres across the country, which would include proper service and training.

SP’s: What do you think is your edge over your competitors and has been the key to your success in India?

Hay: In India service is key, and we ensure customer satisfaction. Our customers know the quality of our products. Besides the opening of a subsidiary in the country has also helped us grow our business in India.

SP’s: What are the challenges that you are facing In India and what is your vision for the future?

Hay: Challenges is basically on regulatory issues, but we have good hopes and our vision is to be number one in a few years time. There are certain areas like helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), where India is yet to begin. Though India has emerged as a hub for medical tourism, technology and medical expertise would have no value in the absence of HEMS services.

SP’s: Can you briefly tell us about your forthcoming partnerships in India?

Hay: We are in talks with almost all big companies in the country but there is nothing concrete now. We want to strengthen our existing partnerships with HAL, Pawan Hans, Mahindra, etc. We are concentrating on strengthening our footprint in India, and at present we are consolidating our new office in Mumbai.