The state-run Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. (PHHL) has been is looking to upgrade its fleet, but first must face increasing scrutiny following two high-profile accidents. The wreckage of a Pawan Hans Eurocopter AS350 B3 Ecureuil helicopter that was carrying an Indian minister and four others was found May 4 after the aircraft went missing for nearly five days. The Indian government indicated that Chief Minister of the northeastern state of Arunachal, Pradesh Dorjee Khandu, was killed in the crash, along with the four others aboard.

Air India has issued a tender for wet-leasing Airbus and Boeing aircraft to meet urgent operational requirements, and to launch new routes. According to a company official, “Air India requires aircraft from amongst narrowbody aircraft A320 series/737NG series, and medium-capacity widebody aircraft 777 series/A330 series aircraft.”

The wreckage of the Pawan Hans AS350 B-3 helicopter carrying an Indian cabinet minister and four others was found May 4 after disappearing Saturday morning. There were no survivors. The Indian government issued a statement saying that the chief minister of the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh Dorjee Khandu was among the victims; according to reports, family members identified his body at the crash site. The bodies of the other four occupants have been recovered, according to local reports, but could not be identified immediately.