Heli Taxi between KIA and Electronics City launched; Reduces commute to 15 mins
The much-awaited chopper shuttle service between Electronics City and Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) finally commenced.
The inaugural shuttle services in the morning saw three passengers boarding the chopper from the Electronics City helipad. Two of the passengers were from the IT sector. The passengers completed their journey, which would have taken about two hours, in just 15 minutes.
Thumby Aviation Private Ltd which is operating the shuttle services has offers two slots during peak hours: one between 6.30 am and 9.30 am and the second one between 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm. The service will enable passengers travelling from east and south Bengaluru to reach the airport in 15 minutes flat.
Govind Nair, director, business development, Thumby Aviation Private Ltd, said that they would run the shuttle services between the two destinations based on the demand. He added that the app for the service was downloaded over 2,000 times and that they were receiving a lot of queries about the shuttle services.
Thumby Aviation Private Ltd which will operate the shuttle services will put two Bell helicopters into service. Each will have a seating capacity of 6 to 13 passengers. While one helicopter will be used for the shuttle services, the other will be kept on standby.
The shuttle ticket is priced at Rs 4,000 including tax while a one-way trip from E-City to KIA in a luxury taxi costs around Rs 2,000. Customers can book their seats via the HeliTaxii app which is available on Google Play Store and App Store.
The helipad in Electronics City Phase 1 is in close proximity to many IT companies. Services from another helipad at HAL Airport will start in the coming days.
