Skylimo’ service launched

Skylimo’ service launched

Special Correspondent

The helicopter will land at HAL airport, Electronics City and Whitefield

— Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

Proud moment: (From left) Albert Brunner, CEO of BIAL; Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and G.R. Gopinath, Managing Director of Deccan Aviation, at the launch of ‘Skylimo’ helicopter services in Bangalore on Tuesday.

Bangalore: Deccan Aviation has launched its “Skylimo” helicopter services from the Bengaluru International Airport to the city. To start with, the Bell 206 Jet Ranger four-seater helicopter will land at the HAL airport, Electronics City and Whitefield with permission sought to land on Palace Grounds as well.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, who launched the service on Tuesday, hoped this fast shuttle services of international standards should help corporate heads from overseas reach places such as Electronics City fast. “This should encourage fresh investment coming into Karnataka,” he added.

“The Government has selected private partners to develop airports in Gulbarga, Hassan and Shimoga and partners would soon be short-listed for the airport in Bijapur. Expansion of the Hubli, Mangalore and Belgaum airports are to be taken up too. Mysore airport is to be upgraded for regular flights,” he said.

Deccan Aviation Managing Director G.R. Gopinath said: “We plan to introduce one more helicopter here and will invest $ 12 million to start helicopter services at Mumbai and Hyderabad. A ‘mini terminal’ for helicopter services at Bangalore airport will further reduce transit time. Bangalore is the only airport in the country now with a helicopter shuttle service, placing it equal business capitals of the world such as London or New York.” Bangalore International Airport Limited CEO Albert Brunner said the initial criticism about the long commute from the airport to the city had subsided with the approach road widening almost completed. “We may need to raise another round of funding from overseas investors to improve facilities and additional landing space for aircraft. A dedicated railway line from Bangalore to the airport will help us and the passengers,” he said.