The election season has boosted the business of Dhillon Aviation Private Limited with major political parties booking helicopters for campaigning.
According to Dhillon Aviation Private Limited managing director Ajay Veer Singh, political parties including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), BJP, Congress and People’s Democratic Party had placed their booking well in advance. “All our nine helicopters have been booked for the poll season,” he said, adding political parties were ready to pay a higher price to confirm their flight.
The company usually charges Rs 1.20 lakh for a one-hour flight apart from waiting charges. But, in the poll season this has gone up to Rs 3 lakh per hour, he said.
Normally, only corporate clients book helicopters but due to recession they too are exercising restrain. On scarcity of experienced pilot due to shortage of flying clubs in the country, he said, “We will request our political clients to revive the closed flying clubs in their states for the benefit of aviation industry.”