Mumbai: It's election season and, amid politicians' hectic campaign trail across cities, towns and rural locations, base managers of companies running chartered planes are having a field day.
At a time these companies were facing difficulties due to several reasons, such as high operating costs, stiff penalties for extended parking hours in Mumbai and a greater regulatory scrutiny, the election-season rush has brought some cheer to non-scheduled operators and chartered plane companies.
Over the past few days, the average monthly utilisation (flying hours) of small jets, turboprop aircraft and choppers has doubled. Charter rates, especially for twin-engine choppers, which are in demand from top ministers and high-ranking politicians, have soared, too. That is because VIPs are not allowed under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms to travel in single-engine choppers.
12/04/14 Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard
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At a time these companies were facing difficulties due to several reasons, such as high operating costs, stiff penalties for extended parking hours in Mumbai and a greater regulatory scrutiny, the election-season rush has brought some cheer to non-scheduled operators and chartered plane companies.
Over the past few days, the average monthly utilisation (flying hours) of small jets, turboprop aircraft and choppers has doubled. Charter rates, especially for twin-engine choppers, which are in demand from top ministers and high-ranking politicians, have soared, too. That is because VIPs are not allowed under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms to travel in single-engine choppers.
12/04/14 Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard
