The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Few takers for chopper rides

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Monday, Sep 21, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Few takers for chopper rides

Staff Reporter

Many bookings cancelled after YSR’s demise

Nearly 20 passengers used to travel to the airport in helicopter everyday
Turbo Aviation Private Limited has suspended its services in the city at present

Hyderabad: The demise of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in the helicopter crash could cast its shadow on the already recession-hit bookings for helicopter rides to Shamshabad airport and joyrides around the city.

The helicopter ride service was launched by Turbo Aviation Private Limited in June early this year with three different pick up points.

Cost

Unmindful of pretty high amount of Rs.4,500 per trip to the airport, the facility evoked a good response initially but the number of bookings suddenly declined heeding to recession blues.

Till last month nearly 20 passengers used to travel to the airport in helicopters everyday but it has come down to eight , says Turbo Aviation Private Limited Managing Director, V. Umesh.

Generally, bookings for helicopter rides to airport increase whenever there is a corporate event like Auto Show at Hitex or other programmes at different venues. But not many events are being organised these days and this could be another reason for poor bookings, explains Mr. Umesh.

Jut when the company was hoping to make good business during this festive season, the demise of Dr. Reddy in the crash could adversely affect the bookings further. “We cannot rule out its impact. Several special joyrides were planned during Ganesh idols immersion but had to be cancelled due to his sudden demise,” he informs.

The company has now suspended the services in the city and is operating all its four helicopters in the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections duty. The services would resume after October 15 but the enthusiasm is definitely down among the operators.

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