Cong, BJP lead in booking choppers for poll campaign

As campaigning for Lok Sabha election gains momentum, Congress and BJP top the list of political parties making a beeline before aviation firms for helicopters to enable their leaders canvass across the country and make optimum use of their time.
Most of the 500 choppers and small aircraft available in the country at a rental of Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh per flying hour, are being booked by Congress and BJP parties followed by regional outfits like Samajwadi party, NCP and BSP.
International Air Charters, a Delhi-based helicopter and aircraft rental firm, has booking orders for all its 50 choppers.
Similarly, the state-owned Pawan Hans Helicopters has also received a staggering number of bookings for its 36-chopper strong fleet.
"The big political parties are opting for brand new helicopters with advanced amenities for the safe and comfortable flight of their top leaders," said Nitin Yende, Managing Director of Hi-Flying Aviation.
His company owns over a dozen helicopters, varying in size and capacity, and as many aircrafts -- all of which are booked for every single day from April 1 to May 15.
Kakkar said the demand of the helicopters is much more than the supply and his company was trying to hire more machines to meet the increased requirement.
Given the guidelines laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other security reasons, parties are mainly hiring twin engine helicopters for their top leaders while middle level campaigners are to be flown in single engine choppers.
22/03/09 TimesNow.tv

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Mar 2009