Indian helicopter charter operator Pawan Hans has been given approval to operate scheduled services and is considering adding fixed-wing aircraft.
The civil aviation ministry says the government-owned company received a "no objection certificate" to become a scheduled operator.
"It is also exploring possibilities of venturing into fixed-wing operations," it adds.
Pawan Hans was established in 1985 and has a fleet of more than 30 helicopters.
Source: Flight International