No Choppers For Poll Campaigns

Political parties across the country might face problems in sending their star campaigners to different cities due to the shortage of helicopters.

According to Business Aircraft Operators' Association (BAOA) president Rohit Kapoor, the parties might suffer from a shortage of helicopters during the ensuing general elections.

This is primarily due to the need for de-registration of helicopters. Compared to 48 new helicopters getting registered in 2010, only 20 helicopters were de-registered.

But in 2013, as many as 19 helicopters were de-registered, while the new registrations were only 13.

Rohit Kapoor also announced that some political parties were yet to clear the dues owed to the aviation companies for the helicopters that had been hired in 2009 elections.

Therefore, for the ensuing elections, the parties have been asked to pay the entire amount in advance.

When asked about the usage of helicopters for medical emergencies, he said that there was a huge potential for air-ambulance services.

However, there is no clarity from the government on mandatory payment to aviation companies. Further, he said that several applications seeking approval for helipads have been pending with the state government since the last five years. (INN)