The much awaited ‘Heli Tourism’ initiative by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is all set to become a reality in the temple city, as the officials announced that a permanent facility would be constructed at Shilparamam's Urban Haat by the end of this year.
On Tuesday, they inspected the ongoing works to build a temporary helipad on the exhibition grounds near Chintalachenu, mainly to cater to the devotees visiting Tirupati and Tirumala, ahead of the Srivari Brahmotsavams, scheduled to commence on October 23. “This time we want to organise the ‘helicopter joy rides’ much ahead of the brahmotsavams. If all the necessary approvals and arrangements are in place, we will begin the joy rides from September 9 and continue till conclusion of Brahmotsavams,” said S.A. Sabeer, Director of New Delhi-based MAK Aerospace and Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
Once operational they can organise a minimum of 10 trips per day, depending on the weather conditions, covering Tiruchanur, Chandragiri and Srinivasa Mangapuram (a tentative route), Mr. Sabeer told The Hindu . With respect to the seating capacity, he said they would be employing a six or seven- seater helicopter for the joy rides.
APTDC and MAK Aerospace have signed an MoU to promote heli tourism in Tirupati, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
