New Delhi: Pawan Hans Limited has announced that Sunil Kumar Nagdawne has assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) with effect from July 3, 2026. The public sector enterprise operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and is India’s leading helicopter services provider.
His appointment comes at a crucial time as the company looks to expand its role in India’s rapidly growing civil aviation ecosystem and strengthen its operational capabilities.
Extensive Experience in Aviation and Infrastructure
Nagdawne brings over 30 years of experience across aviation, energy, infrastructure management, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement.
Before joining Pawan Hans, he served as General Manager (Aviation) at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, where he led key aviation fuel operations, airport infrastructure development, and strategic business initiatives supporting civil and defence aviation.
Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles in India and abroad, contributing to:
- Aviation operations and safety management
- Infrastructure development and quality assurance
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Customer-focused service model development
- Business strategy and organizational transformation
Read also: Leadership Updates: Sunil Kumar Nagdawne Recommended as CMD of Pawan Hans Limited by PESB
Strong Academic and Leadership Background
Nagdawne is an engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology (NIT), Bhopal, and holds an MBA in Operations & Decision Sciences from NMIMS, Mumbai.
He has also enhanced his leadership credentials through executive management programmes at:
- Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
Vision for Pawan Hans Growth and Transformation
In his statement after assuming office, Nagdawne expressed gratitude to the Government of India, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, the Public Enterprises Selection Board, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
He emphasized his commitment to:
- Strengthening safety and operational excellence
- Enhancing customer service standards
- Driving innovation and technology adoption
- Expanding business opportunities
- Building a future-ready aviation organization
He stated that he looks forward to working closely with the board, employees, and stakeholders to further strengthen India’s aviation ecosystem and support national development priorities.
Confidence from Employees and Stakeholders
Employees and stakeholders of Pawan Hans have welcomed his appointment, expressing confidence that his vast leadership experience and strategic vision will accelerate the company’s growth. His proven ability to manage large and complex operations is expected to further reinforce Pawan Hans’ position as a leading helicopter services provider in India.
About Pawan Hans Limited
Pawan Hans Limited is a Government of India Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and is the country’s largest helicopter service operator. It plays a key role in providing helicopter services for passenger transport, offshore operations, emergency services, and connectivity to remote and inaccessible regions, contributing significantly to India’s aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity.
Read also: HAL Secures ₹1,800+ Crore Contract with Pawan Hans for 10 Dhruv NG Helicopters, Delivery by 2027
