Venturing into the Heli-tourism sector, Chennai-based entrepreneurial couple, Selvakumar and Divya, have launched, Aero Don Chopper Private Limited (ADCPL), that has taken wings along the coastal expanse of the East Coast Road (ECR).
Seizing the opportunities presented by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation’s helicopter charter services and tourism promotion policy, coupled with the 2023 Tamil Nadu tourism policy, this venture offers an aerial view of the ECR. J Sugumar, Accountable Manager, said, “we take immense pride in launching Heli tourism on a grand scale. Apart from Chennai, we have a branch in Madurai.” This initiative provides the state with an unique opportunity to explore the boundless potential of skyward tourism.
At the location, a six-seater sparkling US-made Bell-206 chopper is ready for takeoff. Launched in September, the chopper has embarked on several 10-minute joy rides, offering passengers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This costs Rs 4999. Alternatively, flying per hour incurs a charge of Rs 120,000. Capt. Imran Ghori, with over 2500 flying hours, pilots the Bell-206.
The concept of helicopter joy rides isn’t entirely new to Tamil Nadu. Previous attempts, by prominent figures like M G Ramachandran, Harsh Vardhan and Capt. G. R. Gopinath, faced challenges due to high cost of aviation turbine fuel. The company has received positive inquiries for various services, including flower showering over temples, film shooting, advertisement photoshoots, flights to Tirupathi and Bengaluru, air ambulance services and aid in flood-related natural calamities.
Providing technical details, Sugumar highlighted the capability and endurance of the chopper to fly non-stop for two-and-a-half hours without refueling. With each chopper costing approximately Rs 25 crore, the company plans to acquire three more to fortify its financial stability.
Looking ahead, ADCPL envisions creating a state-of-the-art heli-station by January 2024. This facility aims to bolster heli tourism, providing a stage for weddings and corporate events, including unique experiences like tying the knot mid-air.
Aero Don Chopper’s journey into the skies is not just about sightseeing; it symbolises a leap into the future of tourism, where the azure canvas above becomes the next frontier for adventure and exploration.
PS: The Author passed away on 19 December 2023. He worked with IE as a Business Correspondent and prior to that worked with The Hindu for close to 23 years. With expertise in the aviation sector and experience in multiple corporate roles, his loss is deeply felt. IE extends heartfelt condolences to his family and hopes they find strength during this difficult time. n
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Likewise, two business tycoons in the civil aviation sector – the youngest public sector managing director, Harsh Vardhan, introduced city joy ride by deploying one of the Dornier-228 fleet of aircraft and later Capt. G R Gopinath, who was instrumental in changing the pattern of air travelers, also launched similar joy rides. Both of them wound up the rides because of high cost of aviation turbine fuel. It remains to be seen whether the present Chief Minister, M K Stalin, will come up with innovative ideas to provide a big push to the Heli-Tourism in a big way. |
Former and late Tamil Nadu chief minister, M G Ramachandran, after watching the hollywood flick, Fear Over the City featuring Jean Paul Belmondo, who does low flying with powerful search lights chasing down bank robbers, was keen to introduce a similar chopper service. Later, the proposal was dropped on account of high cost.
