Lok Sabha Election: Private Jets Demand Surges by 40%

New Delhi: Chartered aviation companies are gearing up to seize the opportunity during the electoral surge as politicians and party representatives crisscross the nation in the Lok Sabha polls, necessitating frequent air journeys, with demand climbing up to 40%.

Industry insiders project operators will increase earnings by 15-20%, with hourly rates for chartered services also on the rise. These experts reveal that aircraft fees range from Rs 4.5-5.25 lakh, while twin-engine helicopters command Rs 1.5-1.7 lakh.

While demand has risen significantly compared to typical times and past election cycles, the availability of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters has declined. Certain operators are exploring wet leases for aircraft and helicopters.

“The demand for helicopters has surged, up by about 25% during election periods relative to typical times, yet supply falls short,” noted Captain Uday Gelli, President (Western Region) of the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), as quoted by news agency PTI.

Political entities often deploy helicopters for their candidates and leaders to navigate shorter travel times, particularly in remote locales. Gelli observed that helicopter utilization is more prevalent in major states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

According to Captain R K Bali, Managing Director of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), demand for chartered planes is 30-40% higher compared to prior general elections.

Charter bookings are typically made in advance, with operators aiming for maximum aircraft utilization. “There’s always a disparity between supply and demand. Some organizations are considering wet leasing planes and helicopters to fulfill the demand,” Bali remarked.

Helicopter services are billed hourly, with operators generally requiring political parties to reserve a specific number of days and a minimum of daily flight hours during that period.

“Standard hourly rates for single-engine helicopters range from Rs 80,000 to 90,000, while twin-engine helicopters typically cost Rs 1.5 to 1.7 lakh. During election times, rates can climb to Rs 1.5 lakh for single-engine helicopters and Rs 3.5 lakh for twin-engine ones,” Gelli stated.

A single-engine helicopter can carry up to seven people, including the pilot, whereas a twin-engine helicopter can accommodate up to twelve. For chartered aircraft, hourly prices vary between Rs 4.5 lakh and Rs 5.25 lakh.

During elections, chartered plane operators’ earnings are anticipated to rise by 15-20% compared to standard times. As per official figures, there were 112 Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs) as of December 2023, which usually fly according to demand without a fixed schedule.

These operators possess aircraft and helicopters with seating capacities from three to thirty-seven. The planes include Falcon 2000, Bombardier Global 5000, Twin Otter DHC-6-300, Hawker Beechcraft, Gulfstream G-200, and Cessna Citation 560XL, as per data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The ruling BJP’s spending on aircraft and helicopters exceeded Rs 250 crore, according to the party’s 2019-20 audited accounts submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The Congress party’s election travel expenses for 2019-20 surpassed Rs 126 crore, though it did not separately list aircraft and helicopter expenses in its audited accounts.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls commence on April 19 and extend over 44 days across 10.5 lakh polling booths, with elections scheduled for April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. In 2019, the Lok Sabha elections were held across April and May.