40 percent jump in demand for chartered aircraft, helicopter amid general elections
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New Delhi. Politicians and representatives of political parties are traveling across the country for the Lok Sabha elections, due to which the demand for chartered aircraft and helicopters has increased by 40 percent. According to experts, private aircraft and helicopter operators are expected to earn 15-20 percent more from this. Hourly rates for chartered services have also increased, he said. The charges for a single aircraft are around Rs 4.5 – 5.25 lakh and for a twin-engine helicopter it is around Rs 1.5 – 1.7 lakh.
While the demand has increased compared to normal times and previous election years, the availability of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters is also in low numbers. Some operators are looking to source aircraft and helicopters with crew from other companies. “Demand for helicopters has increased and is up to 25 per cent higher during the election period compared to normal periods,” said Captain Uday Geli, president (western region), Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI). The supply is less than the demand.”
Generally, political parties use helicopters to transport their candidates and leaders to various places, especially remote areas, in a short period of time. Geely said larger states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are seeing more use of helicopters. Captain RK Bali, managing director of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), told PTI that the demand for chartered planes is 30-40 per cent higher than the last general elections.
“Typically the hourly rate for single-engine helicopters is around Rs 80,000 to Rs 90,000, while for twin-engine helicopters it is around Rs 1.5 to 1.7 lakh,” Geely said. At the time of elections, the rates range up to Rs 1.5 lakh for a single engine helicopter and Rs 3.5 lakh for a twin engine helicopter.” A single-engine helicopter has a seating capacity of seven people, including the pilot, while a twin-engine helicopter has a seating capacity of 12 people. The fare for a chartered plane can range between Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5.25 lakh per hour. Bali said that during the elections, the earnings of chartered air operators are likely to be 15-20 percent higher than during normal times.
Disclaimer: IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.
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