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Kerala's Peaks and Palms, Just a Heli Hop Away!

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The service providers are dedicated to organising bespoke rides to locations of the customer's choosing. The enquiry form allows customers to input their personal information, starting and ending locations, and the number of passengers.

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Chipsan Aviation Private Limited

Chipsan Aviation Private Limited

A Non-Scheduled Air Operator approved by DGCA, Govt Of India with impeccable safety record. CAPL owns/operates and manages seven helicopters including four twin engine helicopters and three single engine helicopters. The services provided by CAPL include VVIP transport, Corporate Charters, Aircraft Management, Air Ambulance, Organ Transport, Helipad Management, Helicopter Rides, Pilgrimage Packages and Heli-Tourism Packages.

Taking Tourism to New Heights

Kerala Tourism's Heli adventure unfolds a splendid opportunity for thrilling aerial escapades, where service providers can come into direct liaison with enthusiastic travellers. The service providers can add their package and details onto their site inviting customers to interact with them and thereby charting an adventurous odyssey. This platform also offers a chance to explore and experience delightful helicopter services.

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8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride.

Photo of Palak Doshi

Remember Shah Rukh’s iconic entry in K3G, getting off his private chopper, the blades twirling in the background, running towards Jaya Bacchan?

If you thought helicopter rides in India are meant only for the "Raichands" and the rich, Think again!

You can try these eight helicopter joy rides that besides giving you an exclusive bird’s view of the beautiful topography, makes for an exhilarating bucket-list experience.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 1/30 by Palak Doshi

Sea-breeze, salty air, and sun-kissed beaches, Goa is synonymous with hippie vibes and care-free tides.

The government of Goa has partnered with Pawan Hans, the largest helicopter operator in India, to bring helicopter joy rides to Goa. The rides take place in a state-of-the-art Bell-206 chopper which can carry up to 5 passengers at a time.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 2/30 by Palak Doshi

What is covered:

The adventure begins from the Luxurious Park Hyatt Resort at Cansaulim, from where the chopper proceeds to fly over the pristine azure beaches of Arossim, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, and Varca.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 3/30 by Palak Doshi

The chopper flies along the coast, so while you spot the tranquil green fields and tiny villages on one side, the view on the other side will be of the magnificent waves crashing on the shore.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 4/30 by Palak Doshi

Ride Duration: 15 minutes

Cost: Rs.3,500 per person.

Contact: You can checkout the rates and book here.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 5/30 by Palak Doshi

2. Vishakapatnam

Called the Jewel of the East Coast, Vishakapatnam is a traveler’s delight, snuggled among the hills of the Eastern Ghats towards the Bay of Bengal. Whether you’re a beach bum or a culture vulture, Vishakapatnam will awe you and make you fall in love with itself.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 6/30 by Palak Doshi

Vishakhapatnam Helicopter Charter Services operates and offers a variety of experiences to choose from. The jet service is run by Heli Tours India.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 7/30 by Palak Doshi

As per your choices, you can explore Simhachalam, Kambalakonda, RK, Rushikonda and the Ramanaidu Studios. They can also take you on an extended ride to Kailasagiri and the spectacular Arakku Valley and the Eastern Ghats.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 8/30 by Palak Doshi

Ride Duration: Minimum 20 mins.

Cost: The charge for the city tour will be Rs. 2,000 on-wards per person.

It covers Kailasagiri, Thotlakonda, Simhachalam Temple and other important tourist spots. The extended trip cost for the Araku Valley and the Eastern Ghats tour will be Rs 5,000 on-wards per person.

Contact: You can book here.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 9/30 by Palak Doshi

The mountain kingdom has snow-clad peaks guarding it's lush green flower valleys. Prayer flags fluttering in the sky and locals flashing warm smiles are some of the distinctive features of Sikkim.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 10/30 by Palak Doshi

Helicopter rides are conducted by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation in Gangtok.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 11/30 by Palak Doshi

They have different options to choose from that include aerial joy rides as well as transfers in choppers from Bagdogra airport to Gangtok.

The whir of the rotors and the wind accompanied with spectacular views of the topography has made helicopter rides in Gangtok extremely popular.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 12/30 by Palak Doshi

Ride Duration:

The Gangtok aerial view joy ride is for 15 minutes.

The daily choppers that carry passengers from Bagdogra to Gangtok and back take 30 - 35 minutes.

The cost for the aerial city ride is Rs. 9,500 per flight (which can be divided among the number of passengers)

The Tsomgo Aerial Flights cost Rs. 18,990 for 4 people.

Daily Gangtok – Bagdogra flights are for Rs.3,500 person

You can also book a chartered helicopter flight for anywhere at Rs 1200 per minute.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 13/30 by Palak Doshi

4. Hyderabad

Brimming with historical and architectural richness, the city of pearls is a strange amalgamation of modern tech with the vintage flavour.

Even the Hyderabad tourism department had decided to organize Helicopter joyrides from Necklace Road on the banks of Hussain Sagar lake in 2016.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 14/30 by Palak Doshi

Currently, the service is offered by Indwell aviation pvt ltd and some other private aviation companies. The Cessna plane used for this excursion takes-off from Begumpet Airport and glides over local markets, a Buddha Statue and other places.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 15/30 by Palak Doshi

The tour will provide a bird's eye view of Begumpet, Hussain Shah Garden, Buddha Statue, Birla Temple, Char Minar, Golconda Fort, Necklace Road, Public Garden, Central library, City Court, High Court, Hi-Tech city among others.

Ride Duration: 30-minutes

Cost: Rs. 15,450 per person.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 16/30 by Palak Doshi

A helicopter joy ride 1000 feet above the city and the coast is an unforgettable way to experience the breath-taking beauty of Mumbai, and witness some panoramic views of the Sea Link, the Mumbai skyline & the massive Arabian Ocean.

Pawan Hans and many other aviation companies conduct aerial joy rides in Mumbai, they have different packages and options to choose from. They can also arrange flights for special occasions like romantic proposals and pre-wedding-shoots on request.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 17/30 by Palak Doshi

They have three main options that you can choose from for a city-tour -

North Mumbai - Juhu Beach, Escon Temple, Versova Beach, Versova Metro, Madh Island, Pagoda, Essel World.

North Mumbai - Juhu Beach, Juhu Eskon Temple, Andheri Railway Station, Andheri Metro Station, International Airport, Powai Lake, Hiranandani Building, Powai Vihar Lake and Goregaon Film City.

South Mumbai - Juhu, Bandra Worli sea link, Worli sea face, Mahalaxmi Temple, Mahalaxmi race course, The Queens Necklace, Chowpathy, Haji Ali, Marine Drive, The Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Hotel.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 18/30 by Palak Doshi

Ride Duration: It ranges from 15 mins to 60 mins based on the duration you select.

Cost: The cost of the 15 min shared joyride per person is Rs. 8250 and 15 minute in a private chopper ride for 3 people is Rs. 17,950.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 19/30 by Palak Doshi

Majestic white palaces, royal havelis, enclosed by the purple Aravalis and a tranquil lake at its heart. Udaipur will entice you with its quaint old-world charm.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 20/30 by Palak Doshi

Mewar Helicopter Services run fuel-efficient 3-4-5-seater helicopters which provides excellent safety, reliability, and smooth handling.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 21/30 by Palak Doshi

The helicopter flies over the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola, you can see the White Lake Palace to your right and the City Palace to your left.

Then it swoops over the Sajjan Garh Palace that was built atop a hill to watch the monsoon clouds, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake and the Neemach Mata Temple situated on the banks of the lake.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 22/30 by Palak Doshi

They have four main types of packages. Air Adventure Tour Scenic Aravali Tour, Udaipur Lake Tour, and Scenic Udaipur Tour.

Ride Duration: The duration of the ride varies from 5 mins, 10 mins, 15 mins to 30 mins.

Cost: The cost per person is Rs. 3250, Rs. 5,500 and Rs. 6,500 based on the package you choose. The cost for the 30 min ride is Rs. 12, 500. (Charges inclusive of all taxes and include a Rs. 10 lacs Insurance per person per seat)

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 23/30 by Palak Doshi

A city that is decked in shades of pastel pink, architecturally opulent and culturally rich, each wall in Jaipur has a story to tell of its own.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 24/30 by Palak Doshi

Sit right next to the pilot and observe how a helicopter is flown, watch out some of the best tourist attractions of the royal city from a bird’s eye view. The service is provided by Heritage On Air and also by Royal Sky Tech Aviation.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 25/30 by Palak Doshi

Nahargarh, Jaigarh, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Panna Meena Ka Kund, Jantar Mantar, Jaigarh Fort.

Ride Duration: 5-30 minutes based on your package.

Cost: Rs. 9,999 per person for a 10 min ride.

Contact: You can book here and here.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 26/30 by Palak Doshi

Soar through the air and get a breath-taking eagle's eye view of the city of Pune. Sitting in an armchair in the private plane, at a height of about 1000 feet, you can discover a whole new way to see the city.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 27/30 by Palak Doshi

You board the chopper from Pune airport. The helicopter used is Robinson R66.

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 28/30 by Palak Doshi

The routes are decided by the Air Traffic Control, but usually, the following route is followed: Pune airport, Magarpatta City, Shaniwarwada, Railway station Oxford & back to Pune Airport.

Ride Duration: 30 mins

Cost: Rs. 11, 950 per person for a group of four people.

Sure, you would’ve explored a few of these places already through land but have you ever tried the aerial way? Discover a new angle of these places from the sky!

Photo of 8 Indian Towns You Can Explore With A Helicopter Ride. 30/30 by Palak Doshi

Tip: Don’t forget to carry a valid government approved identity proof (for Indian nationals) and your original passport (for foreign nationals).Make sure you get to the location at least 30-45 minutes prior to the flight departure

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5 Most Spectacular Helicopter Rides In India

Wouldn’t it be amazing, to fly in a helicopter, taking in the bird-eye view of all our surroundings while sailing in a sea of clouds? We know flying in an aeroplane is exciting, but a helicopter ride is simply out of the world experience. Its compact, its cosy and you can even choose to go for private helicopter rides in India with your loved one for some alone time together in the skies. It truly is a one of a kind experience! And what makes this experience ever more memorable are the beautiful views that are waiting for you.

India is a vast nation with beautiful locations and diverse geographical terrains scattered throughout the country. Be it mountains, desert, forests, or the confluence of ocean and the mountains in the south, and let’s not forget the many rivers flowing across all these landforms, India offers many amazing sights for the travellers to marvel upon. And what better way to admire these sights other than opting for a sky high view?

So,  we are about to share with you our top picks for helicopter rides in India that will make your trip all the more memorable.

Pawan Hans helicopters in Goa

Our very own party capital can not only be explored around on the iconic scooters and bicycles or cars it can be marvelled upon through a helicopter too! When planning your Goa tour package , you usually think of including the beaches, the sea breeze, the happening night life, the water sports and all the usual stuff. It is worth knowing that Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has partnered with Pawan Hans to provide you with the birds’ eye view of this beautiful tropical paradise. The helicopter ride begins from Park Hyatt Resort and Spa and provides breath taking views of Southern Goa along with the beaches of Arrosim, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim and Varca, along with nearby quaint little villages and fields that will make you fall more in love with the state. Contact – Pawan Hans official website Duration – You can select to tour your choice of locations on a 25 to 30 minutes ride. There are different Helicopter tour rides to suit all budget types. Cost – Varies from INR 15,000 – 30,000 per person depending upon the locations.

Also Read: Monsoon Diaries: Best Places To Experience Monsoon In India

Helicopter Rides in Sikkim

Lovingly called the Paradise of the Botanists; Sikkim is a jewel in the mountains of the North-East. Breath-taking natural beauty with ample of Tibetan influence on the local culture is what we expect to find in this kingdom in the mountains. Surely, visiting on ground and becoming a part of the nature is something we would always want to do while booking our Sikkim tour packages but, imagine observing the marvels of nature – the mountains, the forests, the waterfalls, the streams and the rivers from the sky through one of the most beautiful helicopter rides in India! Exciting, isn’t it? Also, the helicopter joyrides are not limited to Gangtok, but to various tourist destinations and pilgrimage centres like Kanchenjunga, Pelling, Gangtok Ridge, Tsogmo Lake, Rumtek Monastery etc. in Sikkim. Note that, apart from joyrides, there are passenger services too between Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok and Medical services as well. Sikkim indeed is a state to be toured in a helicopter. Contact – Sikkim Tourism Official Website Duration – Depending upon the ride selected, it varies from 15 minutes to 1 hour 1 minute. Cost – Starts from INR 2,500 per person to INR 9,500 for a charter flight.

Also Read: Spectacular Waterfalls In India To Visit During The Monsoons

Fleet of Pawan Hans helicopters

Mumbai, the City of Dreams for millions of Indians is decked with beaches, skyscrapers, wholesome tourist places and even a magnificent sea link. It is on the bucket list of many travellers, not only from India but from all over the world. You can always enjoy the city on foot or local trains and other modes of public transport but you simply cannot match the view from one of the most adventurous helicopter rides in India. And guess what, there are not one but many transport companies including Pawan Hans that provide helicopter joy rides to look at this city from the skies! Looking at the Queen’s Necklace at Marine Drive, Sea Link, the beaches and the high-rises from the helicopter is surely going to make you fall for this city more than ever before. Contact – Pawan Hans official website Duration – From 15 minutes to 1 hour. Cost – Starts from INR 24,800 (cost may vary depending upon the tour).

Also Read: 10 Underrated Places In Mumbai You Should Visit

Helicopters in Udaipur

The royal City of Lakes in the arid state of Rajasthan is a grand destination to experience the royalty and the life of prince and princess of this beautiful city. The grand lake and the canals, the greenery and the old world charm, even the city itself surrounded by Aravalli hills, makes Udaipur the oasis of happiness between the sandy terrains of the State of the Royals. Viewing all this in singularity from the sky makes it one of the top destinations for helicopter rides in India. Mewar Helicopter Services operates various helicopter tours across the city which you can enjoy along with your Udaipur tour packages and soothe your eyes with the birds’ eye view of the grand lake, forts and palaces and the mountains with the various tour packages they have to offer. Contact – Mewar Helicopter Services Duration – From 5 to 30 Minutes depending upon the package. Cost – Starting at INR 3,250 per person.

Also Read: A Look at Top 10 Haunted Places in India

Visakhapatnam.

Robinson R66 Helicopter

Also known as Vizag, Visakhapatnam is a port city on the east coast of India in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Flanked by Eastern Ghats on west and Bay of Bengal in the east, Visakhapatnam truly lives upto its nickname as the “Jewel of the East Coast”. It houses serene long beaches, quaint town, bustling port, a number of natural and manmade wonders and also one of the oldest shipyards in India. Seriously, it is one of the best helicopter rides in India as it gives you an opportunity to view this city from sky and it will make you fall in love with it. The helicopter ride will give you breath-taking views of the city and also take you to Arakku valley and spectacular Eastern Ghats. Contact – Heli Tours India Duration – Varies from 5 to 20 minutes Cost – Starts from INR 2,500 per head.

Also Read: Unbelievable! Here are 10 Places In India Where Indians Are Not Allowed

More and more people are opting for private helicopter rides. It is quickly gaining fame and speed in the tourism sector as the days pass by. While giving you that adrenaline rush and a view that has not been captured by most tourists, it also lets you understand more about the places and surroundings rather than the single monument or natural attraction. We highly recommend you to add helicopter rides in your India tour packages and check it off your bucket list as it gives a different perspective of your favourite destination which not many people have seen.

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Helicopter Packages in India

Have you been searching for the most reliable Helicopter packages in India to carry you afloat the azure skies to the hidden gems in the majestic Himalayan ranges? Well, look no further! Our customized Helicopter packages present as diverse choices for your travel as the manifold hues of your moods.

Be it the venerated pilgrimage sites of Char Dham – Badrinath , Kedarnath , Gangotri , Yamunotri – (independently or together), Hem Kund, Amarnath, Vaishno Devi, Buddhist circuit tour that interests you, or the bird’s eye view of the Capital city that catches your fancy, or the flight to the highly celebrated Valley of Flowers that invites your blooming heart to behold her flowers, Namaste India’s helicopter packages are tailor-made to gift you the trip of your dreams at competent prices.

Over the years, we have come across a surge in the requests for helicopter rides to these sites that render themselves difficult to access by road. Also, the fact that helicopter packages drastically reduced the travel time comes as the added advantage. When you fly with us, you can be assured of the high standards our Pilots and ground staff adhere to keep you safe and carefree. Browse along the given itineraries to find one that suits your requirements and let us know how we might help build the ideal tour for you.

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Kerala bets big on heli-tourism to attract visitors.

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Kerala Tourism launched 'Sky Escapes', a heli-tourism project aimed at increasing domestic tourist footfalls. The state has become the first in the country to have a comprehensive heli-tourism policy, offering travel packages through helicopter service providers. Kerala Tourism also plans to host international adventure sporting events such as the International Paragliding Festival, International Surfing Festival, MTB Kerala 2024, and The Malabar River Festival.

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  • 5 Heli Rides in India You Cann ...

5 Heli Rides in India You Cannot Afford to Miss!

Samarpita Mukherjee Sharma

Last updated: Dec 20, 2019

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heli tourism in india

Udaipur: The City Palace Goa: South Goa's stunning beaches Jaipur: Amber Fort

heli tourism in india

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heli tourism in india

The coastline in Goa from your helicopter ride The cityscape from Amber Fort in Jaipur The serene Lake Pichola and the Taj Lake Palace floating on it, in Udaipur

heli tourism in india

Dil Chahta hai, Finding Fanny, and Go Goa Gone are shot in Goa Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela were shot in Udaipur

heli tourism in india

Anjuna Flea Market near Anjuna Beach is a popular shopping haunt in Goa Bada Bazaar and Lake Palace Road are ideal places for shopping in Udaipur

Heli rides are definitely one of the most exciting and novel ways of exploring a new destination. The thrill of flying and the glorious views from the top is an experience that will remain with you for years to come. Here are the 5 most attractive heli rides in India that you simply cannot afford to miss.

Udaipur with Mewar Helicopter Services

udaipur-heli-rides

Situated amidst the Aravalli ranges with a splattering of lakes across it, Udaipur makes for a gorgeous sight from up above . The hills, the water bodies, the picture-perfect palaces and the romantic air which is omnipresent in the city come together to make for a beautiful heli ride experience. Operated by MHS (Mewar Helicopter Services) Rides, the tour has several package options to choose from, such as Air Adventure Tour, Scenic Aravali Tour, Udaipur Lake Tour, Scenic Udaipur Tour, as well as Premium Rides, Outdoor Package and Wedding Package.

Estimated cost: Starting at INR 2000/pax

Duration: 3-30 minutes

Boarding point: Helipad Base, Udaipur

Website: http://www.mhsrides.com/

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Vishakhapatnam with Helitours India

Vishakhapatnam, a port city famous for its beaches, is quite a sight to behold. Vishakhapatnam Helicopter Charter Services has a fleet of helicopters of different types presenting to you quite a range of experiences to choose from. The service is run by Heli Tours India, and you take a short ride to Kailasagiri, or a longer one to the spectacular Arakku Valley – a quaint hill station tucked away in the Eastern Ghats. The rides also take you through RK Beach, Simhachalam, Kambalakonda, Rushikonda and Ramanaidu Studios.

Estimated cost: starting at INR 2500/pax

Duration: 5-20 minutes

Boarding point:  VUDA Park

Website:  http://www.helitoursindia.com/visakhapatnam_Air_Charter.html

Goa with Pawan Hans

goa

Beaches are excellent locations to view from above, with absolutely no concrete and vast expanses of sand, trees and water to treat the eyes. An aerial view of forts, old lanes, beaches, temples, churches, spice plantations, wildlife and a lot of history to catch up to – nothing in the world can convince you to not take a heli ride over Goa. GTDC, in association with Pawan Hans, has launched helicopter rides in Goa from the helipad at Park Hyatt Hotel. Those who are not guests of the hotel can also book the tour. Cost and duration of the rides can be enquired at the time of booking.

Estimated cost: Upon request

Duration: Varied

Boarding point: Park Hyatt Helipad, Goa

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Sikkim with Sikkim Tourism

Northeast India holds an unparalleled charm for Indian travellers, mainly because of its unique terrain and climate. While it is not possible to reach every location via road, especially during the winters, a heli ride is an ideal alternative to admire the snow-capped mountains and the flowery valleys in Sikkim. Sikkim Tourism's heli service offers varied aerial views, and you can choose your package depending on your budget. Take your pick from Joy Ride Gangtok Aerial View, Kanchendzonga Mountain Flight Chartered, Pilgrimage Flights or the Tsomgo Aerial Flight. Emergency medical flights are also provided for, and the rides can be pre-booked online.

Estimated cost: starting at INR 9500 or Rs.1200/minute

Duration: 15 minutes

Boarding point: Gangtok Helipad

Website: http://www.sikkimstdc.com/HeliServiceGeneral/HeliGeneralReservation.aspx

Jaipur with Heritage on Air

jaipur

Imagine how gorgeous ‘The Pink City’ would look when viewed from a helicopter! Marvel at the imposing forts, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and the many parks, bazaars and temples of the city as the lights of the day play hide and seek with their contours. Heritage on Air offers multiple packages that can be customized based on the duration and area to be covered. They also organize group tours, and there is high emphasis on safety, security and comfort.

Duration: 5-30 minutes

Boarding point: Shiv Vilas Resort, Delhi-Jaipur Highway

Website: http://www.heritageonair.com/

Book Your Flight to Jaipur

If you are planning to travel to any of these cities anytime soon, don’t forget to take a heli ride!

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A student of Economics, Samarpita changed track to study journalism and took it up as a profession. With more than a decade of experience, she has taken a sabbatical from main stream journalism, and now freelances as a writer, an editor and a digital marketer. A hardcore social media person, she is a workaholic and loves everything creative.

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heli tourism in india

K-air | on 21 June 2018

great blog ... I loved reading it and the list of places and destinations ...

Cebu Aerial Tour | on 08 May 2018

I feel bad for thinking that it's not worth to spend money on aerial tours in india, but after seeing your blog, it change my perspective about having aerial tour on india. I've realized that india is much more more more beautiful to look at from above. It has so many nice place to visit too and after reading your blog, it makes me want to try having an aerial tour at india!

Ranjit | on 15 March 2018

Dear Sir / Madam We are planning to visit Kodaikkanal on this summer tour for 4 days, and came to know that your team may arrange the Heli Tours so our team preferring this Heli Tours subject to reasonable charges.. here append the details for this Tour, request you kindly quote your best competitive offer Adults : 13 Children Details : More than 6 Years : 2 4 Years Old : 1 3 Years Old : 1 2 Years Old : 1 Total Numbers : 18 Peoples Pickup Place : We prefer Tuticorin (Depending coasting we can use the terminals of Madurai / Chennai / Bangalore) Delivery Place : Kodaikkanal Request you kindly quote your Single trip and Round trip quote also please share what the supporting documents are you looking for this Heli Trip Best regards, A.Ranjit Mob : +91 92442 31501

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  • Kerala introduces heli-tourism connecting 11 destinations in the state

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  • Wednesday, 3 January 2024, 1:00 PM
  • 2 minute read

In a significant move to boost tourism and enhance connectivity, the state of Kerala has inaugurated a pioneering heli-tourism project. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas officially launched the initiative, designating Kochi as its central hub.

This ambitious project aims to connect 11 key destinations across the state, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Jadayu Para, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kozhikode, and Kasaragod.

Minister Riyas highlighted that the heli-tourism initiative seeks to minimize time spent on travel, providing tourists with efficient and seamless access to popular destinations. In addition, Kerala Tourism plans to unveil an informative microsite dedicated to heli-tourism.

Further developments in the project include the introduction of new helipads in strategic locations. Discussions with private stakeholders have already commenced to streamline the project’s implementation.

The heli-tourism services will be categorized into three types: ‘City Rides’ for short trips within or near cities, ‘Destination-to-Destination Connect’ facilitating exploration of tourist destinations within the state, and ‘Tourism Packages’ offering curated trips linking multiple destinations.

Kerala Tourism will play a facilitating role, while private agencies will be responsible for providing services, adhering to all security specifications. Approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is mandatory for the commencement of services.

Choppers used for heli-tourism will have a seating capacity ranging from 6 to 12 passengers. Expressions of interest will be invited shortly, requiring aspiring operators to submit detailed plans for consideration, as outlined by Minister Riyas. The launch of this heli-tourism project is poised to transform the tourism landscape in Kerala, offering visitors a unique and efficient way to explore the scenic beauty of the state.”

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Boost to heli tourism in Karnataka: BLADE India launches helicopter service from Bengaluru to Coorg, Kabini

🔴 coorg, also known as kodagu, and kabini are two top tourist destinations in the state that have access to helicopter services..

heli tourism in india

To boost heli tourism in Karnataka, helicopter transport firm BLADE has launched its scheduled by-the-seat services on Bengaluru-Coorg and Bengaluru-Kabini routes in the state.

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, and Kabini are two top tourist destinations in the state that have access to helicopter services. The Indian subsidiary of US-based helicopter transport firm BLADE first entered the state in December 2020 with its weekend private charter services.

heli tourism in india

“With the launch of the services on the two routes, travel time to the two cities from Bengaluru which is the state capital will be reduced from 6-7 hours by road at present,” the company said.

Amit Dutta, MD, BLADE India, said, “Karnataka boasts of some of the most beautiful destinations in the country. However, their accessibility is a pain point. 6-7 hours of road travel from Bengaluru eat into the precious time that travellers could otherwise spend enjoying their holiday. BLADE mitigates this pain with an hour’s seamless experience.”

According to the firm, it aims to connect congested and inaccessible surface routes in the country through an efficient air transport system and provide an all-around holistic experience through its baggage and ground transfers and partner benefits.

Festive offer

The company has also tied up with Evolve Back Resorts to enable customers to book their flight and stay at once; land at the property directly in an hour and be more accessible.

BLADE India, a joint venture between BLADE Urban Air Mobility Inc, headquartered in New York, and New Delhi -based venture capital firm Hunch Ventures, started operations in Maharashtra in 2019.

According to the company website, the trip from Jakkur aerodrome in Bengaluru to Coorg costs Rs 16,000 per seat.

Meanwhile, in June 2021, the Karnataka Tourism Department got approval from the Youth and Sports Services department and Airport Authority of India (AII) to use Jakkur aerodrome and five other airstrips for heli-tourism purposes.

The state government was planning to use Jakkur for landing and take-off purposes. The department is also planning a circuit for tourists to take helicopters to Goa , Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala.

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Helicopter tourism inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram

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A highly anticipated helicopter tourism project has been flagged off in Thiruvananthapuram on August 21 . A seven minute helicopter ride, enjoying the sweeping view of the Kovalam and Vizhinjam coasts is now possible. The organizers hope that the scope of helicopter tourism would soar, especially during the post pandemic days.

The helicopter would take off the helipad at the Raviz Hotel in Kovalam. The splendid beauty of the coasts is sure to attract anyone. The fabulous scenes where the seas merge with lush greenery would be a joyous sight.

Up to four persons could fly in the helicopter at a time. The ticket fare is Rs 4500 per head. The helicopter tourism project has been introduced on an experimental basis in Kerala. The Holiday Shop tour company has decided to continue the sea project if this is a grand success. Meanwhile, the helicopter firm is all set to expand their operations by coordinating with various tour companies in the state.

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Helicopter Tickets: Book Your Tickets Online Today!

Helicopter Tourism in India: A Bird’s Eye View of the Incredible

Helicopter tourism is a growing trend in India, offering travelers a unique and unforgettable way to see the country’s many wonders. From soaring over the snow-capped Himalayas to taking in the bustling streets of Mumbai, helicopter tours offer stunning views that are simply not possible to see from the ground.

There are many different helicopter tours available in India, catering to all budgets and interests. Some popular options include:

  • Helicopter tours of the Himalayas:  These tours offer stunning views of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest, the Kanchenjunga, and the Annapurnas.
  • Helicopter tours of the Taj Mahal:  This iconic monument is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, and helicopter tours offer a unique perspective that allows you to see it from above.
  • Helicopter tours of the backwaters of Kerala:  These tours take you through a network of canals and waterways that are home to lush vegetation, traditional villages, and plenty of wildlife.
  • Helicopter tours of the Thar Desert:  This vast desert is home to stunning sand dunes, camel safaris, and traditional villages.

Helicopter tours are a great way to see the best of India in a short amount of time. They are also a great option for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and traffic that can be found on the ground.

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable travel experience, then helicopter tourism in India is the perfect option for you.

Tips for Planning a Helicopter Tour in India

Here are a few tips for planning a helicopter tour in India:

  • Book your tour in advance:  Helicopter tours are popular, so it is important to book your tour in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
  • Choose a reputable operator:  There are many helicopter operators in India, so it is important to choose one that is reputable and has a good safety record.
  • Be aware of the weather conditions:  Helicopter tours can be cancelled due to bad weather, so it is important to be aware of the weather conditions before you book your tour.
  • Dress appropriately:  Helicopter tours can be cold, so it is important to dress appropriately. You should also wear comfortable shoes.
  • Bring your camera:  You will want to capture all of the amazing views that you will see on your helicopter tour.

Helicopter tourism is a great way to see the best of India in a short amount of time. It is also a great option for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and traffic that can be found on the ground. By following the tips in this article, you can plan a safe and enjoyable helicopter tour in India.

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From wedding proposals to mandir darshans, heli-tourism is flying high

From wedding proposals to mandir darshans, heli-tourism is flying high

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heli tourism in india

Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the Government of Goa is always exploring new avenues to promote quality tourism. He explained that high end tourism services are best delivered through Public-Private Partnerships. He cited the Heli-service as a shining example of  this idea as well as working proof of the ease of doing business in the state.

heli tourism in india

He added that the Union Government has accorded top priority to the tourism sector in the recent budget. The state government is also focusing on health and wellness tourism as is the vision put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ‘Amrit Kal’, said the Chief Minister.

Goa Tourism also launched a call center facility on this occasion. The operator offers services of Executive Charters, Interstate Transfers, Airport Transfers and Customized Heli Tours.

heli tourism in india

About Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a Central Sector scheme launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.

The scheme aims to promote, develop and harness the potential of tourism in India. Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance – CFA to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for the infrastructure development of circuits.

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We’ve Found A New Way To Get ‘High’ In Goa With A Swanky New Chopper Service

Now you can get to South Goa from the north within minutes with Blade India. And there’s no traffic, we promise!

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Shraddha Varma

Published On May 24, 2022 | Updated On Mar 06, 2024

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“The helicopter approaches closer than any other (vehicle) to fulfilment of mankind’s ancient dream of the flying horse and the magic carpet,” American-Russian aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky once said. And I couldn’t agree more when I took a ride with Blade India's latest helicopter service that promises a breathtaking ariel view of the sunny state that I had never witnessed before. Now here's your answer to crisis-cross across Goa in a jiffy and make sure you hit all the party spots. 

Touted as the party-state of India, when one says Goa, beaches, shacks, booze, susegad vibes and crazy nightlife are the words that come to one’s mind. But if you keep the party scene aside, Goa is buzzing with a host of offbeat experiences. The latest addition to this list is a helicopter service, introduced by Blade India and the government of Goa, which is expected to add an alternative approach to experiencing the state in all its glory.   

Heli tourism in Goa 

Urban air mobility company Blade India, a joint venture between US-based flight aggregator Blade Urban Air Mobility Inc. and India-based Hunch Ventures, in association with the government of Goa announced the launch of three helicopter services for locals and tourists alike on May 20, 2022. These services include by-the-seat flights connecting Goa airport to various parts of Goa – north, south, and old Goa airport – in addition to private charter services within Goa and from Maharashtra and short 10-minute experiential rides. The heli tourism services were announced at a press conference at the Taj Holiday Village Resort and Spa, situated in Candolim, Goa, in the presence of Pramod Sawant, the chief minister of Goa, Amit Dutta, managing director, Blade India, and Karanpal Singh, founder, Hunch Ventures. 

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Blade India already operates in Maharashtra and Karnataka and covers destinations including Mumbai, Pune, Shirdi, Bengaluru, Coorg, Kabini and Madikeri. Goa is the third state where it has expanded its services and it will be fully operational in a couple of months, just in time for peak tourist season. 

“Timesaving, connectivity, and convenience are key here. Amid the hustle-bustle of life, today, why would one want to let go off 6 to 8 hours of their leisure time to travel to a destination when it’s possible to do so in much lesser time? Blade Indian helicopter services will not only make remote areas of Goa accessible to people, offer an alternative view of the beautiful scenery of Goa but also offer them the convenience of landing in a particular part of the city without taking a trip to the airport and getting stuck in traffic on the way,” explains Karanpal. 

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From north Goa to Dabolim airport in less than 10 minutes 

The roar of the Airbus helicopter’s rotor blades was all I could hear as we – Karanpal and a couple of fellow journalists – neared the Sanquelim helipad, which was about 3km away from Taj Holiday Village Resort and Spa, where the press conference was held. The first-time heli flyer in me was as overwhelmed as it was excited and thrilled to be part of this experience. This was our transport to the Goa airport, so we could board our flights back home. The six-seater vehicle was running full, and our pilots, captain Pradeep Saini and captain Nirmal Singh promised us a bird’s eye view of the state’s beautiful coastline in the 10-minute ride to the airport. At the beginning of the ride, each passenger was given a pair of headphones with a mic connected, to communicate with each other. These headphones cancelled the noise of the rotor.  

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We reached our destination in approx. seven minutes, three minutes early, but had to hover around the airport because there were a couple of flights and fighter planes on the runway, ready to take off. The overall ride was smooth, and I can say that the best way to appreciate the dramatic scenery of Goa is from above.  

We cruised a few 100 feet above the land in the middle of an afternoon, and from that height, I got to an alternative perspective, no shacks and partygoers in sight, I enjoyed the lush green forest patches, tall cliffs, spectacular shorelines that seemed never-ending, and mesmerising waters – the sea as well as river Mandovi. What amped up the whole experience was a pre-monsoon shower, which gave Goa a whole different vibe and a break from the scorching summer heat. 

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While the endless stretch of water, lush greenery, and later, buildings looking like Legos from the sky, were a treat, the moments when the pilot manoeuvred the helicopter over hills and tall buildings were not for the faint-hearted. Fortunately, it was thrilling for my fellow passengers and me. 

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The services have not started fully yet, but a 10-minute experiential ride like this can cost you anything between Rs 3,000 and 4,000 approx., Karanpal informs us. You can book a ride via flyblade.in. 

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Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, is a leading manufacturer of commercial and military helicopters around the globe. Bell has a reputation for excellence in customer service, innovation, and quality, and Bell supports customers in over 120 countries.

Bell has equipped Indian customers for over six decades. The iconic Bell 47 first visited India in 1956, transporting Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and served as the Indian Armed Forces' initial trainer helicopter.

Since introducing the first helicopter to India in 1956, Bell's Indian fleet has grown from two aircraft in 1994 to over 85 currently. Today, Bell helicopters are featured prominently across multiple sectors in India, including tourism, corporate transport, emergency response, and government applications. Particularly widespread are the Bell 407 commercial helicopter and Bell 412, renowned for performance and cost-effectiveness.

The Indian commercial helicopter market outlook remains vibrant with Bell aircraft engaged in diverse national operations. Several high-potential sectors present expansion opportunities:

Emergency response demand arises from India's vast terrain and population. Bell helicopters like the Bell 429 and Bell 412 suit air ambulance, firefighting and search/rescue needs with speed, range and payload. The Bell 429 especially addresses Indian air ambulance needs with twin-engine power and a spacious cabin for medical crews and advanced life support equipment.

India's natural beauty and cultural attractions drive a booming tourism industry amenable to aerial sightseeing. Destinations in the Himalayas, Kerala and Rajasthan showcase India from the air. The Bell 505 offers panoramic views and spacious cabins ideal for helicopter tours.

Oil, gas and mining rely on helicopters to access remote worksites. Bell aircraft have a proven track record worldwide transporting crews and cargo in energy production via power, performance and high-altitude capability. Models like the Bell 412 and Bell 429 are go-to solutions.

As India's economy and middle class expand, emergency services, tourism, and energy sectors will surge in demand. Well-positioned to support this growth, Bell will provide high-quality, reliable helicopters and a leading global aftermarket support and service network augmented by Bell customer service and product support engineers across the globe.

Bell established operations in India in 1995 via a liaison office in New Delhi. Today, with over 130 employees across offices in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, Bell and Textron maintain a substantial India presence, with a local sales and aftermarket team to support our customers in India.

Thinking above and beyond is what we do. For more than 85 years, we’ve been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us.

We are pioneers. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of advanced air mobility.

Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours.

Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com .

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changes in aircraft delivery schedules or cancellations or deferrals of orders; our ability to keep pace with our competitors in the introduction of new products and upgrades with features and technologies desired by our customers; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products; volatility in interest rates or foreign exchange rates; and risks related to our international business, including establishing and maintaining facilities in locations around the world and relying on joint venture partners, subcontractors, suppliers, representatives, consultants and other business partners in connection with international business, including in emerging market countries.

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Months after the new civilian helicopter policy was launched in October 2021 by the Government of India, the sector has got a much needed shot in the arm. At the recently concluded civil aviation event Wings India 2022 , Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia reiterated the thrust his ministry is giving to encourage the new helicopter policy. Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “I believe helicopters also require the impetus, which is why we have come up with a new Helicopter policy where all TNLC and RNLC charges have been scrapped, land rates for hangars have been reduced, where three dedicated corridors have been put in place for pure helicopter traffic where we have ensured that we try and build about HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Management Services) on India’s national highways” while addressing delegates at Wings India 2022.

Abolition of landing charges and parking deposits to boost commercial helicopter operations in the country is the biggest boost for the sector and could see the cost of operations of general aviation and civil aviation helicopters by about 20%, feels the industry. Captain Arun Sharma , Managing Director Aviators , told IA&D , “No parking charges is a very welcome change, because we were paying 15,000 for handling and since we now can now handle on our own, it goes off. It will help the business and the consumer as were passing it on to them”. Capt Arun Sharma is confident that the new policy will spur growth as some of the archaic norms which equated rules for aircraft and helicopters will be done away with, facilitating smoother operations of helicopters. 

Under the new policy, the government has put together a dedicated helicopter acceleration cell, “Heli Sewa,” in the Civil Aviation Ministry to examine the helicopter industry’s issues. As part of the policy, there will be no landing charges or parking deposits for heliports or helicopter companies. To begin with, four heli hubs and training units are planned to be set up in Mumbai, Guwahati, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Taking helicopter services further, the Ministry of Civil Aviation intends to set up helicopter corridors in 10 cities and 82 routes in the country. 

The civil aviation market is proliferating in the country and has drawn many aviation giants towards India as many business class people are buying their own personal aircraft and jets. However, despite their advantages, helicopters have lagged behind in penetration, says Capt Arun Sharma, a former helicopter pilot. Sharma’s company Aviators had mooted the idea of fractional aircraft ownership nearly two decades ago, but the project never took off due to regulatory issues. Capt Sharma says the time is ripe for the expansion of helicopter operations but warns that the low-cost seat selling idea may not work.  

Capt Arun Sharma’s idea that multiple helicopter owners can claim depreciation benefits by having fractional ownership will encourage many companies to purchase/lease helicopters to reach tier 2 and tier 3 cities faster.

Till now, the only time the Indian skies see helicopters buzzing around frequently is during elections when top politicians use the helicopters very often to carry out multiple campaign rallies in a day. If one goes by the numbers, India has only about 250 civil registered helicopters in the country. 

Most of these are operating with Non-Scheduled Operators who hold a significant chunk of helicopters in numbers, which is about 200 plus in numbers; the balance operates under the private and government category. Compared to even large countries like Brazil and Australia that have over 1,200 and 2,000 helicopters, respectively, India’s helicopter strength is minimal. A reason why the New Helicopter Policy evokes a lot of excitement in the general aviation sector which hopes that a section of the society will take helicopters to commute from metro cities to difficult to reach terrains nearby. 

The recent Intent of Cooperation (IOC) agreement was signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL) for the purchase or long term lease for 20 helicopters, 10 each civil variants of ALH Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopters at the Wings India-2022 at Hyderabad is an indicator of the expansion planning in progress. 

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Bengaluru based Thumby Aviation , which runs helicopter charters, is hoping that the new Helicopter Policy will be a milestone event in the general aviation history of India. 

Speaking to IA&D , Govind Nair , CEO of Thumby Aviation , says, “It will boost the country’s tourism potential and is a very progressive policy that will help create more helipads and ground handling infrastructure on the ground. We anticipate that new business models will be created, opening new business avenues that will make more people fly by choppers”. Unlike Aviators founder Capt Arun Sharma, Govind Nair is more excited about the per seat flying concept being a reality soon. “We definitely see a potential in this, and having pioneered Electronic City to BIAL service as early as 2017, we are confident that it will become a reality soon enough.”

As per the available data, the total number of civil helicopters worldwide is more than 34,000, and India accounts for just one percent. Even Brazil, one of the developing countries, is much ahead of India in helicopters. The Brazilian city of Sao Paulo alone has 750 helicopters. But despite all odds, the market and industry in India remain optimistic. 

The establishment of joint ventures in India by helicopter manufacturing firms like Agusta Westland , Sikorsky and Eurocopter are positive moves.

About 40 percent of civil helicopters across the globe are used for corporate business, 29 percent for emergency medical services and law enforcement, 16 percent for offshore operations and the balance for other operations such as heli-tourism, adventure sports, aerial surveys etc. India sees the most helicopter usage in the energy sector, both onshore and offshore. The remaining are used in corporate charters, medical evacuation), heli-tourism, agriculture and other services.

So while large organisations like HAL are still assessing and evaluating the opportunity offered by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to develop the HAL airport in Bengaluru as a Heliport, the Jakkur Aerodrome in Bengaluru has got off the blocks. The aerodrome, which was equipped with three helipads, has already drawn up plans to have eight helipads on its campus apart from extending the runway. It is also shoring up the ground resources to simplify helicopter charter companies to operate from its premises. 

So while the Indian skies await the increase in rotor whizz, the new policy promises to throw up thousands of new job opportunities for helicopter pilots. 

British Royal Navy Vessels Touch Down in Chennai

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Indian outbound tourists

Why The World’s Top Travel Brands Are Betting Big On Indian Tourists

India’s surging middle class is projected to spend as much as $144 billion a year on international travel by 2030. and hotels, airlines and cities are spending millions to land them., by suzanne rowan kelleher , forbes staff.

L ast week, hundreds of global travel professionals gathered in Delhi for the inaugural Skift India Summit and the opportunity to glean valuable insights from the CEOs of major travel brands, including The Oberoi Group, OYO, Agoda and the country’s flag carrier, Air India. “India is having a moment,” explains Brian Quinn, head of event programming at Skift, “with the India outbound traveler poised to become the biggest global force in coming years.”

A decade ago, you could have said the same about Chinese tourists. Back in 2014, some 117 million Chinese tourists traveled internationally, which was a 20% increase from the previous year. But 10 years and one pandemic later, Chinese outbound travel still hasn’t rebounded to its pre-Covid heights, while the energy and focus of the global tourism machine has shifted southeast—to India.

With more than 1.4 billion people, India now has the world’s largest population and the fifth-largest economy . Outbound travel from India is growing much faster than from any other country, which has led to a flurry of predictions that have travel brands salivating.

“There’s such huge potential,” says Caroline Bremner, head of travel and tourism research at Euromonitor International , which projects 47 million Indian outbound travelers by 2030. “That’s more than doubling from 2019. And then on the spending side, it’s even better, going from $35 billion in 2019 to $84 billion in 2030,” she says. “Essentially, India is jumping up the ranks and will be the sixth-largest outbound source market globally by 2030, after China, the U.S., the U.K., Germany and France.”

A 2023 report by Nangia Andersen , the Indian arm of Andersen Global, forecasts that Indian outbound travel will grow at an 11.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between now and 2032—which roughly aligns with Euromonitor’s prediction for tourist volume. If these projections bear out, then another, wilder prediction may not be so implausible after all: organizers of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), an industry conference to be held in Dubai in May, have touted that India’s outbound market will be worth $144 billion a year by the end of this decade.

And a recent report from McKinsey is similarly bullish on the longer-term prospects for Indian tourism. “India’s outbound travel has the potential to grow from 13 million trips in 2022 to over 80 million in 2040,” the authors write. “If India follows China’s outbound travel trajectory (which it could, due to similarity in population size and per capita income trajectory), then Indian tourists could make 80 million to 90 million trips a year by 2040.”

Given all the hype, travel brands have, naturally, begun heavily courting Indian tourists, often by tapping celebrities as influencers. Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan promotes Dubai and Katrina Kaif, a British actress who makes Hindi-language films, professes her loyalty to Accor. Actor Ranveer Singh appears in ads for Abu Dhabi , while his wife, Deepika Padukone, is the global brand ambassador of Qatar Airways . Meanwhile, Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist and world champion in javelin, has been enlisted to promote Switzerland’s spectacular alpine landscapes.

Yet before India’s outbound travel can reach its full potential, industry experts say, the volume of flights in and out of the country—a number mutually decided by the two respective governments—must increase dramatically. There were roughly 14% more flight routes by city pairs to and from India last year compared to 2019, according to data from FlightAware . Right now, airlines are operating just 18 scheduled passenger flights each week from India to the United States—up from 14 in 2019.

Some destinations have made policy tweaks to boost capacity. In late 2022, Canada lifted the cap on the number of flights from India from 35 per week to “unlimited” and gave Indian airlines access to six hubs, including Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, and Vancouver. South Africa Tourism, meanwhile, has teamed up with Ethiopian Airlines to provide faster links between India and Africa. Even Bhutan’s prime minister has emphasized the need to strengthen air connectivity between India and the tiny Buddhist kingdom.

Airlines are taking note of India’s growing importance as well. Most notably, Singapore Airlines inked a deal in late 2022 with Tata Group, paying a reported $250 million for a 25% stake in Air India. Last November, Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong told Forbes Asia of his plans to make India a new hub. “You can just tell how much potential there is,” Goh said. “India is growing but it’s significantly underserved.”

Hotel CEOs are also being seduced by the dizzying economic forecasts. “We just are blessed by the increase of demography in the world and blessed by the increase of households that want to travel,” Sébastien Bazin, CEO of the French hospitality giant Accor, told investors on the company’s most recent earnings call in February. He offered a short lesson on global economics, noting that the world’s emerging middle-class population exploded by one billion over the last 10 years. “Half of those are from India,” he emphasized. “We probably can wisely say that for the next 10 years, demand will no longer grow 3% to 5%, but probably 4% to 6%. You very well could be looking at a 3x demand over supply. And a lot of it, again, has to do with India alone, which is [expected to add] 500 million [to its] emerging middle class.”

“India is definitely an economic bright light,” echoes Bremner, noting that the country’s current 8% economic growth rate is stronger than China’s. Moreover, it shows no signs of slowing down.

Last year, 1.7 million Indian tourists visited the United States, making India the country’s fourth-largest travel source after Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The average Indian tourist also spends money when traveling internationally—roughly $5,252 per trip, according to the last six months of data collected by the National Travel & Tourism Office (NTTO), the agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that tracks tourism statistics. Comparatively, the typical visitor from the United Kingdom and Brazil spends $2,656 and $3,344, respectively, while the average Japanese tourist spends $3,672. In other words, it takes two British tourists to spend as much as one Indian traveler.

If the United States wants to attract more Indian tourists in the future, experts say it needs to make entering the country much easier. “I am a firm believer that less friction will lead to more travel,” says Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda, the largest online travel agency in Asia. “Friction can be removed by adding direct flights, as well as by the introduction of visa waivers or by being able to book accommodation, flights and activities on one app.”

Currently, 62 countries permit Indian travelers to visit without first obtaining a visa—that’s 10 more than in 2016, the year that the Henley & Partners Passport Index launched. But the United States neither grants visa-free entry to Indian tourists nor does it make procuring a visa fast and easy.

While the U.S. is approving more visas for Indians today than in pre-pandemic years, the average visa wait time is still about 10 months, according to the U.S. State Department website . Before a leisure trip to America, an Indian citizen must wait for a visa interview, which can take anywhere from 197 days at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi to 423 days at the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai. In comparison, Indian tourists can get a visa for Canada in just 23 days or the United Kingdom in roughly three weeks.

U.S. officials readily acknowledge that visa wait times are a big problem. Speaking at the Skift India Summit on Tuesday, Eric Garcetti, the U.S. Ambassador to India, told conference-goers that President Joe Biden specifically asked him to tackle the backlog. “I bet it’s the only time the United States president has told the ambassador, ‘Please work on visa issues,’” Garcetti said.

Visa waivers have a proven track record and give nations a competitive edge, insists Agoda CEO Morgenstern. After Azerbaijan introduced the ASAN system, which processes electronic visas within three working days of submitting an application, interest from Indian tourists skyrocketed and arrivals increased fivefold in two years. “Thailand and Malaysia both introduced visa waivers for tourists from India late last year, and that led to an immediate increase in searches from India to both markets,” Morgenshtern says, noting that searches for Thailand grow by 46% even though Thailand was already the top searched destination by Indians. “In the two months after the visa waiver came into effect, Bangkok overtook Dubai as the most-booked city destinations for Indians.” Yet the emirate was not to be outmaneuvered. In February, Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for inbound Indian travelers.

Another reason why India is such an attractive source market is its youthful population. Only 7% of India’s population is 65 years and older, compared with 14% in China and 18% in the U.S., according to data from a recent report from the Pew Research Center. People under the age of 25 account for more than 40% of India’s population . “ In fact, there are so many Indians in this age group that roughly one-in-five people globally who are under the age of 25 live in India,” notes the Pew report. “Looking at India’s age distribution another way, the country’s median age is 28. By comparison, the median age is 38 in the United States and 39 in China.”

“It’s an extremely well-educated populace, very digitally savvy,” says Bremner, adding that more than 75% of Indian millennials and Gen Xers traveled in 2023, according to Euromonitor data.

“Indian travelers are more engaged with ecotourism and sustainability than their global counterparts. They are open to all kinds of experiences, from luxury to eco-adventure,” Bremner continues. “And, of course, they are high spending. I’m not at all surprised that destinations from Asia to the Middle East and Europe and U.S. are chasing them.”

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Watch India's prototype space plane ace a landing test (video)

The vehicle reused systems from a test flight last year.

India has taken a big step forward in its development of a reusable space plane.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out its second RLV Landing Experiment (RLV-LEX-02) on March 22, the agency announced. The mission is part of a plan to make access to space more affordable.

The 21-foot-long (6.5 meters) prototype space plane , known as Pushpak, was released by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) and autonomously landed on a runway 2.49 (4 km) away. The spacecraft came to a stop using a brake parachute, landing gear brakes and nose wheel steering system. 

Related: India successfully lands reusable space plane prototype for 1st time (video)

a small space plane comes in for a landing with brown hills in the background

The test is a followup to a 2023 test , also held at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in the southwestern state of Karnataka. But this time Pushpak needed to undertake more difficult maneuvers, including employing cross-range and downrange corrections and touchdown on the runway in a fully autonomous mode.

This second test mission validated various indigenous technologies critical for a high-speed autonomous landing of a space-returning vehicle, according to ISRO. The mission also reused the winged body and all flight systems from the first test, showcasing their reusability.

S Unnikrishnan Nair, director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which led the test, said in an ISRO statement that the repeat success demonstrated that ISRO can master terminal phase maneuvering, landing and energy management in a fully autonomous mode, marking a critical step toward future orbital reentry missions.

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ISRO began work on the space plane project in 2019. The agency aims to scale up the vehicle to become part of a reusable two-stage orbital launch system by the end of the decade.

A number of other countries are engaged in space plane activities. The U.S. Space Force's robotic X-37B is currently on its seventh flight and its first high-orbit mission after a December launch atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, while China's own mysterious space plane just passed 100 days in low Earth orbit.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Andrew Jones

Andrew is a freelance space journalist with a focus on reporting on China's rapidly growing space sector. He began writing for Space.com in 2019 and writes for SpaceNews, IEEE Spectrum, National Geographic, Sky & Telescope, New Scientist and others. Andrew first caught the space bug when, as a youngster, he saw Voyager images of other worlds in our solar system for the first time. Away from space, Andrew enjoys trail running in the forests of Finland. You can follow him on Twitter  @AJ_FI .

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The Houthis’ Media Machine Is Going Global

The group is exploiting sympathy for palestine to spread its propaganda., israel-hamas war.

News, analysis, and background on the ongoing conflict .

More on this topic

The Houthis have been around since the 1990s, but only over the past six months has the Yemeni rebel group become a household name in the West. After Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the start of the Israel-Hamas war, the Houthis—who are aligned with Hamas—began attacking Western-linked merchant ships in the Red Sea , disrupting global shipping and trade.

While Western governments back Israel, to varying degrees, the Houthis’ attacks have boosted their profile among anti-war activists in the Middle East and also around the world. In Yemen, the group calls million-man protests against Israel’s war on Gaza every Friday; in places as far away as London and New York, protesters chant in support of the rebels’ maritime attacks .

As the Israel-Hamas war enters its sixth month, the Houthis’ media machine has moved quickly to capitalize on the group’s newfound prominence. More than 32,000 Palestinians have died so far in the conflict, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and the Houthis have clamored to portray themselves as being at the vanguard of the Palestinian cause—pledging to continue their attacks until Israel ends the war. “The group’s savvy media experts” are “depicting their attacks as a source of pride to the Arab populations,” said Fahmi Albaheth , an independent digital rights defender and tech expert.

Backed by Iran, the Houthis took the Yemeni capital of Sana’a in 2014, at the start of Yemen’s civil war. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates supported the internationally recognized Yemeni government that the Houthis had ousted. The two Gulf powers’ military campaign against the Houthis has precipitated one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises .

All the while, the Houthis expanded their domestic influence, in large part through social media and technology . But, until recently, their message hardly resonated beyond Yemen’s borders.

“Imitating Iranian discourse, the Houthis launched the slogan ‘Death to the U.S. Death to Israel. A curse upon the Jews’ when they first came to power in 2014,” said Abdul Aziz Al-Majidi , a political analyst and the founder of the independent Yemeni news website Alharf 28 . “This slogan was disparaged and trivialized by Yemenis,” he said. At a time when the Houthis were a new force that most Yemenis regarded as criminal, Majidi said the public found the slogan “both peculiar and comic.”

All that changed last year. On Nov. 19, 2023, Houthi rebels captured the Israel-linked vessel Galaxy Leader . They announced the seizure with a gripping, high-quality video posted on a Houthi-owned TV channel that showed fighters making a dramatic landing on the container ship from a helicopter, brandishing their weapons and taking all 25 crew members hostage. After the broadcast, the video was picked up by social media users. “Be it graphics, videos, or audio messages,” the Houthis’ online messaging is “all produced and executed at a very high quality,” Albaheth said.

He pointed out that the rebels are producing more content in English to engage Western audiences, particularly on Gaza. Houthi officials have taken to posting official statements in English rather than Arabic to increase their reach. The Houthis’ efforts in this area reflect “how important social media channels are” to gaining global prominence, Albaheth said. After last fall’s attack, the group received messages of online support from users across Yemen, other Arab states, and Western countries.

But the Houthis aren’t stopping at their own official channels. Once they took the Galaxy Leader ashore to the Port of Salif, the rebels allowed friendly social media influencers to board the ship and post content they created there online. The vessel has now become a tourist attraction in Yemen. The crew remains in captivity, and the Houthis claim they are being treated in accordance with Islamic values.

Mustafa Al-Momri, a Yemeni influencer with more than 2.6 million YouTube subscribers, was among those allowed on the Galaxy Leader . One video he shared appeared to mock Jewish Orthodox men by showing Momri and other Yemenis on board dancing gawkily on the ship deck. The antisemitic trope garnered thousands of online reactions.

But the influencer who made the biggest news globally was Rashid Al-Haddad, an attractive 19-year-old Yemeni teenager who denies being a Houthi fighter. Haddad became an internet sensation after he boarded the ship and posted videos that yielded millions of views on his now-defunct TikTok account. (Haddad’s social media accounts have since been banned for spreading hate speech on Instagram and Facebook and for violating community guidelines on TikTok.) When the young man was praised by followers for his good looks and described as a “hot pirate”—even dubbed “Tim Houthi Chalamet” for his resemblance to the actor Timothée Chalamet—he urged his Western followers to focus on supporting Gaza rather than on his appearance.

This, Albaheth argued, reflects the Houthis’ core media strategy. They have gathered “regional support for defending Palestine, fully aware of the potential and significance of online propaganda at the time of conflict,” he said.

Media experts argue the group is capitalizing on many Arabs’ frustrations with their own leaders for failing to forcefully push for a cease-fire or an end to the war. “The insidious online propaganda of the Houthis capitalizes less on what they do, and more on what their opponents do not,” Majidi said. “Albeit diplomatically engaged in the conflict, the Arab states’ lax initiatives in the Gaza war boded well for the Houthis.”

Half a year of warfare between Israel and Hamas has yielded only small, symbolic peacemaking efforts from Arab states. Though Arab leaders risk domestic wrath by remaining impartial on the conflict, some states’ hands are tied by normalization deals with Israel that largely ignore Palestinians.

Egypt and Jordan , which maintain the most long-standing ties to Israel, have released strong statements warning against the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, set up a field hospital in Gaza and sent humanitarian aid to the enclave. Saudi Arabia, which is reportedly pursuing a normalization deal, hosted a February summit to discuss reconstruction efforts in postwar Gaza.

Houthi leaders, by contrast, have been forthright in their support for Palestine. In a January speech, the former head of the Houthi supreme revolutionary committee said , “Yemenis’ stance toward Gaza is a heroic and humane one, which all Arabs and Muslim nations should adopt.”

In one recent tweet , senior Houthi official and spokesperson Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti —who has more than half a million followers on X—wrote, in English: “Stop the genocide in Gaza and we will stop our military operations against America, Britain and Israel. Isn’t this a just, moral and humane demand?” Online followers from across the world have praised the Houthis for siding with the Palestinians when the rest of the Arab world did not.

The “Houthis banked on the silence of Arab leaders during the war to present themselves as saviors,” Majidi said. They “have created an endless loop where every incident in the war in Gaza becomes an occasion to assemble, advertise, propagate, and appeal to people’s religious leanings to garner support.”

The Houthis keep a tight leash on all media outlets in Yemen. And they own three out of four mobile network providers in the country, allowing the group to mobilize millions each week to protest against Israel’s aggression via text message .

Anis Mansour, a writer at the independent news site Arabi21, fled Sana’a when the rebels took over the city in 2014. Now, from exile in Istanbul, he is expressing awe at the group’s targeting of Red Sea vessels. In March, he shared a meme on X of a swordfish saying, “Where are the ships, Houthis?”

For the Houthis, “linking [Red Sea] attacks to the support of Gaza is a reliable way to amass support,” said Maysaa Shuja Al-Deen, a senior researcher at the Sana’a Center for Strategic Studies think tank. That can be seen tangibly: The group’s ship seizures and social media campaigns have boosted its recruitment numbers, she said.

Shuja Al-Deen’s colleague Maged Al-Madhaji , the chairperson of the Sana’a think tank, argued that the new recruitment efforts have less to do with support for the Houthis and more with sympathy for Palestine. “[V]ast numbers of Yemenis are still not supportive of the group,” Madhaji said. “The Houthis are exploiting the current events to recruit more people and spread propaganda.”

This piece is published in collaboration with  Egab , a group that works with journalists across the Middle East and Africa.

Rashid Mohsen is an independent Yemeni journalist based in Sana’a who covers political affairs for international outlets. He wrote under a pseudonym to protect his safety.

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