Made two round trips on day one between KIA and Electronics City
App-based taxi service took on a whole new meaning on Monday when Bengaluru’s first helitaxi service took off, ferrying passengers from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) to Electronics City in 15 minutes. The helitaxi made two trips, with the first one taking off at 6.30 a.m.
The helitaxi, touted to be the first such service in the country, was announced in August 2017 by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha. The service is being offered by KIA in partnership with Thumby Aviation Pvt Ltd, in an effort to reduce the time taken to travel to the city from the international airport.
According to Capt. K.N.G. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, Thumby Aviation, the helicopter can ferry six passengers. “On the first trip, we had four passengers from KIA. On the way back from Electronics City, we had five passengers. In the second trip, we had three passengers from KIA and two on the way back.” He added that they did not accept too many bookings for Monday as it was the inaugural service.
How does it work?
Those who want to avail the service can book a seat through the app (Heli Taxii). The fare is ₹4,130 per person, including GST. Once passengers exit the arrival lounge, the company has arranged vehicles to ferry passengers to its facility in the KIA premises, which would be a four-minute ride. For those heading to KIA, the company vehicle will drop passengers at the departure lounge.
At Electronics City, the helicopter will land in Thumby Aviation’s facility in Phase I, near the toll plaza.
More helicopters soon
At present, the company is operating only one helicopter. The number will increase depending on the demand. “Our service is not affecting any activities at the international airport. We have a different route, which is approved by the Ministry of Defence and Airports Authority of India, which does not interfere with the air force related traffic in Yelahanka or HAL either,” Mr. Nair added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Staff Reporter / March 05th, 2018