When London-based Akhil Bakshi was planning an India vacation last winter time was of essence. In a span of six days the marketing executive wanted to travel to Delhi,Jaipur,Ajmer and Ranthambore. With no direct flights to Ranthambore and Ajmer,he opted to book a helicopter instead. It made sense,for a few more rupees we could see much more, says the marketing executive. The third generation Indian in the UK did not mind shelling over Rs 10 lakh for travel expense that could otherwise be managed in less that half the amount. Hours after landing in Delhi,the family of four was off to Jaipur in a six-seater helicopter. Once people overcome the initial fear of a slightly shaky flight helicopter travel is nowhere near as smooth as an airplane this is an unexplored tourist trap. Earlier this year the Karnataka Tourism Minister G. Janardhana Reddy announced tax reliefs and construction of additional helipads to promote heli-tourism in the State. Private tour operators across India have their brochures filled with heli-travel packages. It is appropriate for a small group of people who want privacy. It is also less expensive than booking a private airplane for a short distance, says Sudip Sharma,director of Fly Jettech that offers air charter services. The website advertises over ten Helicopter Tours. We have been in the travel business for eight years,but these tours were designed two years ago after people expressed a desire to travel by helicopter, reveals Sharma. Of course these are for the well-heeled. Jettech will take group of five in a Bell-407 helicopter to Agra for Rs 2.26 lakh. The total flying time is 2 hours,40 minutes and the return is the same evening,after a waiting period of three hours in Agra. A three-day trip from Delhi to Jaipur,Ranthambore and Udaipur costs Rs 6.20 lakh,with 6 hours,15 minutes flying time. In February,a group of 25 from the UK chartered four helicopters,from Sharma,for Agra and Ranthambore. It was convenient,as the group comprised people above 50 years, says Sharma. Though most of his clients are foreigners and NRIs,Sharma points out that packages to religious destinations are popular among domestic travellers. Over 30 bookings were made for the Kumbh Mela, adds Sharma. The fare was Rs 2.5 lakh for a five-seater. People with disposable income do not mind spending on travel,if it allows them luxury, says Manu Mahalingaiah,director of Bangalore-based Skyway International Travels. He has packages from Delhi to Rajasthan,Binsar,Rishikesh and Corbett National Park,priced Rs 1.5 lakh onwards. The accommodation and overnight charges are additional. The North attracts more bookings than the South because of popular tourist destinations, he adds. Anil Kakar,CEO of International Air Charters agrees: The economic slowdown had affected business,but things are picking up. He does not offer packages,but helicopters are available for hire from Rs 85,000 per flying hour onwards,and an additional Rs 25,000 night waiting charge. The demand is highest for destinations that dont have an airport,like Sariska,Rishikesh and Ajmer, says Kakar. According to him,the construction of helipads in hotels and hospitals has also boosted the still nascent industry. Aryan Aviation Private Limited mostly has corporate clients,but when its helicopters are parked at the Delhi airport,owner Captain Vipin Kumar Singh also flies passengers for holidays. It is ideal for places within the 500 km radius, says Singh. During the last two years he has made bookings for Benaras,Shimla,Khajuraho and Rajasthan among others. The numbers are expected to rise in the next decade,with more people travelling and less time in their hands, he adds. There are challenges though. Service tax of 10.3 per cent and the high fuel charges add up to the package cost, points out Sharma. The number of helipads are also limited, says Sanjay Saihgal,vice president-business development,Deccan Charters,that has a fleet of 12 helicopters and flies from ten locations across India,including New Delhi,Bhubaneshwar,Hyderabad and Mumbai. He hopes that the Commonwealth Games will help populalise the travel concept. The foreigners are familiar with it,and with an influx of tourists in September-October we are expecting a rush, he says.
