Mumbai-Shirdi helicopter service launched by Jagson Airlines

Mumbai, Oct 18 (UNI) Jagson Airlines, which had launched its services from Srinagar to Amarnath, started its service for the devotees of Saibaba, airlinking Mumbai to Shirdi by a helicopter having a capacity of 26 passengers.

The inaugural helicopter was launched today in presence of Maharashtra Energy Minister Dilip Valse Patil, Hindi film ''Shirdi Ke Saibaba'' maker Manoj Kumar and his wife, and Jayant Sasane, chairman of Shree Saibaba Trust.

Speaking on the occasion, Jagson Airlines Chairman J P Gupta said there are many devotees, including film industry personalities, who visit Shirdi before launching any project. ''We are expecting a huge market from this sector', he added.

Sources in Jagson Airlines said after the security clearance, a regular commercial service will be launched linking Mumbai-Shirdi with four services a day.

Sources said the first helicopter will fly in the morning at 0715 hrs to shirdi while the second will leave at 1030rs. The return flights will be at 2000 hrs and 2230 hrs. The fare for the trip is expected to be around Rs 2999.

If the Mumbai-Shirdi air linkage is successful, the airlines will also launch a Pune-Shirdi linkage.

Mr Patil said the government has plans to develop an airport at Shirdi and added that the helicopter service started today, will help in developing the infrastructure at Shirdi.

UNI