Bengaluru will soon have a helicopter service shuttling passengers between its Kempegowda International Airport and certain parts of the city.
The “HeliTaxi” service will be operated by Thumby Aviation, a company that buys and leases helicopters and fixed wing aircraft for non-scheduled air transportation. In an exclusive partnership with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), it is part of the airport’s “ongoing focus on pioneering initiatives and customer innovation.”
Group Captain KNG Nair, CMD, Thumby Aviation said: “With Bengaluru Airport, we have found a partner that shares the same customer-centric focus to provide a truly unrivalled travel experience. We aspire to be the leader in providing air-taxi support. Our goal is to make helicopter transport accessible to more people. This new service will be convenient for business executives by enhancing access to the heart of the City – the demand for such services is undisputed.”
A chat with Goving Nair, Thumby’s director of business development revealed that initially, one six-seater helicopter will launch the shuttle service that is scheduled to launch before this year ends, “provided all necessary infrastructure is in place”.
On probing further about the cost, Nair said that they have a wide fare bracket, which they wouldn’t want to share just yet. They’re still working out the particulars. He did add that “the pricing will be competitive with the luxury cab services provided in the city”.
Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation said: “This HeliTaxi service will ensure quick, seamless transfers to and from airports, at a cost similar to a luxury taxi fare. Last mile efficient and seamless connectivity is key to ensuring that India establishes itself as a true global aviation hub. From the Indian aviation industry point of view, Bengaluru has always been an important city for developing innovative aviation services. Following the example of BLR Airport, we would like to see similar services being introduced at other airports in the Country that will make travel simpler for passengers.”
