Delhi based Helicopter Company Syandan Aviation started a unique pilgrimage heli-services catering to services between Delhi- Khatu ShyamJi and Salasar Balaji. The six-seater helicopter Bell 407 will operate daily from Rohini Heliport, Delhi and will provide all inclusive services to the devotees. At the inauguration, Mr. Abhinav Sahay, MD, Syandan Aviation in a candid interview with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World shares his views on the the new services and the other operational details… Excerpts..

What services does Syandan Aviation have started in its helicopter operations?

Syandan Aviation has launched a daily helicopter service between Delhi and Khatu ShyamJi and Salasar Balaji in Rajasthan.We would be completing this round trip in 6 hours including time for VIP darshan, travel and transport from helipad to temples, lunch and time for rest and rejuvenation. We are hoping that this time saving trip is going to provide an option to pilgrims and devotees from Delhi that they did not have previously.

What is the tariff that you have kept for this particular round trip?

Right now every seat is priced at Rs.95, 000/-. It is a full package which covers end to end costs including your transportation from helipads to your temples. The amenities that we are providing at Khatu ShyamJi for devotees after their more than hour long flight to freshen up and get ready for their temple darshan. The costs involve arranging VIP darshan, prasad, bhog and obviously the transport from helicopter. So all of that is included in this package. Everything is taken care of, once you step into our helicopter at Delhi then it is our responsibility to bring you back while keeping you safe, comfortable, well fed and spiritually aligned till we drop you back to Delhi. T

To operate in this segment which type of helicopters you are using and also what’s the seat configuration?

Currently the helicopter that will be used routinely for this service or it has been year marked for this service is Bell 407.There are 6 passenger seats available on Bell 407 which means that at least 6 seats will be available every day for this round trip.

What will be the operational schedule?

We are planning to operate this flight at least once a day and the time is likely to be 9.30 AM. Initially, we are trying to study the market and see how the market adapts to this service and depending upon the response that we get we can also consider introducing another aircraft for this service.

It can be also modified as a customised charter service or like a shuttle for different passengers if required?

Yes, it can also be a charter service. Since there are only 6 seats available on the daily flight, right now we want to take as many people as possible and give them the experience of flying on this. As VIP charters are a completely different equation and a different service that we offer and that service is available via a completely different port.

Tell us a bit about the company Syandan Aviation?

Syandan Aviation is a start-up found by professionals who have had legacy experience of aviation sector, have studied and participated in the Indian aviation sector for some time and they are now looking to contribute to the growth of the rotor wing aviation sector in particular. That is where Syandan Aviation comes in. We are looking to work not just alone but along with our partners such as Skypulse to, as the idea is to transform the rotor wing aviation sector.

What’s the expansion plan of your company?
We are focusing on three service deliveries or three business verticals. One, obviously is the religious pilgrimage network expansion, second is the air ambulance network setting up and third is the general regional connectivity through rotor wing helicopters.