Heli taxi services introduced in Kerala on 9th October 2010 by CochinInternational Airport Ltd ,”CIAL”, the Airport Company. It will startoperations from Kochi International Airport, Nedumbassery. Kerala tourisminfrastructure would get further boost with the launch of Heli taxi servicesand it solely targets high end tourists. Helicopter tours provide a uniqueKerala experience through seamless travel and tough to access destinations havebeen brought to within easy reach. Helicopter tourism adds new dimension toKerala Travel sector. By availing the services, tourist can fly to pilgrimageplaces and tourist spots in Kerala.   For over 20 years ProfessionalHelicopter Services , Banglore based  Bharath Airways Private Limited,contracts with CIAL for helicopter service operations. It has received allregulatory approvals and there will be a special terminal at Kochi airportproviding four to five helipads exclusively for the heli taxi services.

In the initial phase, heli-taxi services will be operated from Nedumbasseryto Nilackal which is situated near the famous pilgrimage centre of Sabarimala.The services would be useful for thousands of devotees from various parts ofthe country who wanted to visit the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.

CIAL will of be resuming operations from Kochi to Nilackal by 7-seater Bell407 Helicopters. This fly will take 30 minutes and American made helicopter cancarry a total of seven passengers including five tourist and two pilots.

Heli tourism would drastically cut down travel time and greatly enhanceaccessibility to inaccessible tourist spots.

CIAL is aggressively looking at expanding its customer base, and planning totie up with Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.  Bookings for heliservices can be done at http://www.keralaairtaxi.com.

Video and photos of heli-skiing in Cordova AK with points north during thespring of 2006

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