New Delhi. Due to the visit of politicians and political party representatives across the country for the Lok Sabha elections, the demand for chartered planes and helicopters has increased by 40 percent. According to industry experts, operators are expected to earn 15-20 percent more. Hourly fares for chartered services have also increased. He says that the fare for an aircraft is around Rs 4.5-5.25 lakh and for a twin-engine helicopter it is around Rs 1.5-1.7 lakh. Although demand has increased compared to normal times and previous election years, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are less available.
In view of the increasing demand for aircraft and helicopters, some operators are thinking of taking aircraft and helicopters on lease. Captain Uday Geli, President (Western Region), Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), said, ‘The demand for helicopters has increased and it is 25 percent more during election time as compared to normal times. The supply is less than the demand. Generally, political parties use helicopters to transport their candidates and leaders in short time, especially to remote areas.
Geli said that the use of helicopters is being seen more in big states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Captain RK Bali, Managing Director of Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) said that the demand for chartered aircraft is 30-40 percent more as compared to the last general elections. Chartered aircraft are booked well in advance and operators will want to maximize the utilization of the aircraft. Bali said that at the time of elections, the earnings of chartered aircraft operators are likely to be 15-20 percent more than in normal times.
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According to the party’s annual audited accounts for 2019-20 submitted to the Election Commission, the ruling BJP spent more than Rs 250 crore on aircraft/helicopters. The Congress party spent more than Rs 126 crore on election travel expenses in 2019-20. Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases. These will start from April 19 and elections will be held in 10.5 lakh polling stations in 44 days. Lok Sabha elections will be held on 19 April, 26 April, 7 May, 13 May, 20 May, 25 May and 1 June. In 2019, Lok Sabha elections were held in April and May.
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Tags: 2024 Loksabha Election, Helicopter, Loksabha Election 2024, Loksabha Elections
FIRST PUBLISHED: April 14, 2024, 22:27 IST