BENGALURU: Bengaluru International Airport Ltd (BIAL) will soon have a HeliTaxi service, the first of its kind in the country. BIAL is partnering with Thumby Aviation Pvt Ltd for this purpose and the services will be introduced, to begin with, between the airport and Electronics City.
Announcing the same here on Friday, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha said while the UDAAN scheme focused on regional connectivity, the HeliTaxi service would ensure quick and seamless transfers to and from airports. The idea was to keep it on par with regular taxi fares.
Following BIAL, we would like to see similar services being introduced at other airports in the country, Jayant Sinha said.
If this plan takes off, those travelling to Electronics City will not have to negotiate traffic on the road. They will be able to seamlessly travel into the city, without having to get out of the airport premises.
Tentatively, the services would start in another three months' time, according to those involved in the project. As of now, two helicopters have been designated for the purpose and the company plans to commission more as and when the demand increases.
The operator, Thumby Aviation, is looking at a price point of Rs 2,500-Rs 3,000, to keep it affordable to all sections of commuters. However, the company is yet to work out the specifics.