Deccan Airways launches 'Heli Tourism' in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, May 26 (UNI) Low cost carrier Deccan Airways today launched its chopper operations here marking the beginning of 'Heli Tourism' in the state.

Launching the service here, Deccan Aviation Director K J Samuel said this will provide necessary mobility and flexibility for high spending and time sensitive tourists, especially those from abroad and boost tourism in the state.

The Bell helicopter stationed at Thiruvananthapuram base could carry four to six passengers besides the pilot. The flight charges had been fixed at Rs 70,000 per hour.

Presently, the company planned to operate chartered flights. It will come up with regular packages soon.

Mr Samuel said the helicopters could also be used for lifting patients to hospitals. 'We already have tie ups with certain hospitals in the country and are trying to link up with those in Kerala.'' Initially, the services would be available to Kumarakom, Thekkaday, Munnar and Kovalam. Later on, the company planned to add more services to connect the northern parts.

Kerala Tourism Director B Suman said Heli Tourism had opened a new market for tourism in the state. They would go for fixed wing planes, if the service was successful.

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