Helicopter to ferry CM and other VIPs ready; Chipsan Aviation awarded three-year contract

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has hired a helicopter to ferry the Chief Minister and other VIPs. The helicopter contract has been awarded to Delhi-based Chipsan Aviation. The contract is with the Kerala Police. A six-seater helicopter will be hired for three years. Rs 80 lakhs will be spent on this every month.

Earlier, there were reports that the state would hire a new twin-engine helicopter to ferry the CM, the state police chief and other high officials in the new year. Chipsan Aviation, which has won the contract, operates helicopters for the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Maharashtra.

Apart from Chipsan Aviation, the government had considered other companies such as OSS - Air Management and Heliway Charters. Earlier, it had hired a helicopter from Pawan Hans, a public sector undertaking.

A chopper, which is not more than 15 years old, will be selected for ferrying the VIPs. Safety will be given utmost priority. The state will hire a twin-engine helicopter that will be able to carry six VIP passengers, 9 regular passengers and 10 kg of luggage each. The condition is to fly at least 20 hours per month.