The first billionaire in India to own an Airbus helicopter worth Rs 100 crore. Not Ambani or Adani. Ravi Pillai, a Malayalee, achieved this feat. Ravi Pillai, who built the business empire RP Group based in Dubai, was born in a farming family in Kollam, Kerala. An entrepreneur who has developed a business in another country with long vision despite having no business tradition.
In recent days, Ravi Pillai’s Airbus H145 helicopter has been in the news again. B Ravi Pillai, the CEO of RP Group of Companies, acquired the Airbus H145 helicopter in June 2022 for Rs 100 crore. Accommodating two pilots and seven passengers, the Airbus H145 helicopter can travel up to 20,000 feet above sea level. A special feature of the helicopter is the energy absorber seats that ensure the safety of the passengers even in the event of an accident. Fuel leakage can be prevented. Can communicate with ground stations while in flight. Can also be used in defense sector.
In recent days, Ravi Pillai’s Airbus H145 helicopter has been in the news again. B Ravi Pillai, the CEO of RP Group of Companies, acquired the Airbus H145 helicopter in June 2022 for Rs 100 crore. Accommodating two pilots and seven passengers, the Airbus H145 helicopter can travel up to 20,000 feet above sea level. A special feature of the helicopter is the energy absorber seats that ensure the safety of the passengers even in the event of an accident. Fuel leakage can be prevented. Can communicate with ground stations while in flight. Can also be used in defense sector.
Born in 1953, B Ravi Pillai holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He also holds a doctorate in philosophy from Excelsior College, New York. B Ravi Pillai is a non-resident businessman known for his philanthropic activities. Ravi Pillai himself has shared the story of starting a business with a loan of one lakh rupees many times. Within a short time he made a profit from the business and returned this money. Then the business expanded in various fields.
In 1978, he decided to move to Saudi Arabia and started a construction company, Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation (NSH) was also started. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2010 and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2008.
