Lok Sabha Election 2024: 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. He said hourly rates for chartered services have also increased. 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 hire aircraft and helicopter crews from other companies.
Demand for helicopters increased
Captain Uday Geli, President (Western Region), Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), said the demand for helicopters has increased and is up to 25 per cent higher during the election period compared to the normal period. Supply is less than demand. Generally, political parties use helicopters to reach their candidates and leaders to various places, especially remote areas, in a short time. Geely said that the use of helicopters is being seen more in big states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
30-40 percent jump in demand
Captain RK Bali, managing director of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), said the demand for chartered aircraft is 30-40 per cent higher than in the last general elections. “Typically the hourly rate for single-engine helicopters is around Rs. 80,000 to 90,000 rupees, whereas for a twin-engine helicopter it is around 1.5 to 1.7 lakh rupees. At the time of election, the rates go up to Rs 1.5 lakh for a single engine helicopter and Rs 3.5 lakh for a twin engine helicopter.
It is a 7 seater 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.
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