Cochin International Airport ltd (CIAL), the airport company, today launched a Heli Taxi service which can be utilised for transporting pilgrims and tourists to various destinations.
CIAL Managing Director Dr C.G. Krishnadas Nair and director M. A. Yusuff Ali flaged off the first flight here this morning.
TDB president, M. Rajagopalan Nair was also present.
The HeliTaxi belongs to Bangalore Bharath Airways Private Limited, and has over 20 years of experience in Helicopter operation.
Necessary sanctions have been obtained from authorities to operate the service, airport sources said.
CIAL had recently launched its tourism division in association with over 30 Tour operators.
It has also obtained permission from Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa, for operating this service to Nilakkal (Foothills of Sabarimala) with an intention to carry pilgrims and to Saramkuttiyal (near Sannidhanam) for emergency purposes like causality evacuation and movement connected with security requirements.
The Helicopter, American made Bell-407, can carry 5 passengers and two Pilots. The expected flying time from Cochin to Nilakkal is 30 minutes.
The Heli Taxi can operate approximately for 30 hrs in a month, and is hoping to take a minimum of 150 passengers to various locations in the State.
