look news india
Lok Sabha elections are a win-win deal for everyone. This is also a particularly profitable time for helicopter service entrepreneurs. Today there are about 200 helicopters in the country. Of which, excluding government and semi-government, the private sector has about 160 helicopters. Out of which about 100 helicopters are used by many leaders and political parties for their campaigning during the Lok Sabha elections. Out of which ministers of Modi government and many big leaders of opposition use helicopters in election campaign.
Rs 5 lakh per hour for helicopter rental in elections
During elections, helicopter fare reaches Rs 5 lakh per hour. A normal helicopter fare ranges from Rs 1.5 to 2.5 lakh per hour. According to the companies providing chartered plane and helicopter services, bookings are increasing in this Lok Sabha elections. Political parties have made the maximum bookings. Bookings have also been made by some companies and private individuals. Some of these are also Lok Sabha candidates. BJP, Congress and other parties have not yet announced all their candidates and advance bookings for all chartered planes and helicopters are full.
Election Commission of India alert on use of chartered plane-helicopter
The Election Commission of India is also on alert regarding the use of chartered planes and helicopters during the Lok Sabha elections. For this, the Election Commission has issued guidelines to all airports, airlines and aviation related departments, the aim of which is to prevent other types of misuse including exchange of money through chartered planes and helicopters during elections. Every take-off and landing is being monitored at all the big and small airports and heliports of the country.
Non-scheduled operators have a limited number of helicopters in the country
Along with this, balancing time with politicians and security is also a big issue for chartered plane and helicopter pilots. Rohit Mathur, head of Heritage Aviation, said that the demand for helicopters is the highest, but non-scheduled operators have a limited number of helicopters in the country. In such a situation, balancing supply and demand is a big challenge. Election Commission data shows that Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh are at the forefront in booking helicopters for election campaigning.
95 percent helicopters are booked in February-March itself.
According to companies providing helicopter and charter aircraft services, 95% of the available helicopters have been booked in February-March itself and charter aircraft are being booked at about 40%-50% more than the normal rates. The demand for helicopters is high as they are mainly used for connectivity in remote areas. Currently, companies charge Rs 3 to 4 lakh per hour for available helicopters. Despite the availability of helicopters, political parties are facing difficulties due to lack of experienced pilots.
