The Meghalaya government has decided to take on lease private helicopters for travel of VIPs comprising the chief minister, ministers and other higher ups within the State. The VIP movement by helicopter is expected to begin from early 2024.
The Transport Department has on December 22 floated a tender inviting bids from helicopter companies having operating permit under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for wet lease of twin engine helicopters for ferrying VIPs and VVIPs of the State government.
As per the tender notice, the lease will be for an initial period of three months and extendable. The helicopter offered would carry VIP passengers to different places in Meghalaya and outside the State. The helicopter offered should be able to carry at least five to six VIPs or VVIPs (excluding crew) at 80 kg each and baggage of ten kilos per passenger. Preference will be given to the bidder who has a helicopter of higher seating capacity.
The tender also said that the helicopter should have excellent performance and be technically fit for flights at high altitudes, capable of landing and take-off in narrow valleys and at altitudes up to 10,000 feet, as well as equipped to fly in cloudy weather with passengers and baggage.
The minimum committed flying hours of the helicopter shall be 35 hours per month. The flying schedule and requirements will be intimated by the State government from time to time as per requirement.
The security of the helicopter at helipads or airfield and check of passenger’s baggage and cargo shall be carried out as per the guidelines issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). This will be arranged by the State government at all locations where helicopter services are intended to be availed.
At least four rooms for office technical stores at the helipad at the base station will be provided to the successful bidder as per availability along with a hanger which can accommodate two helicopters is available at helipad office store rooms and hanger fitted with electricity and water connections at the helipad shall be provided free of charge but furnishings of office equipment other accessories like telephone air conditioner, EDC (Electronic Digital Controller) and bills for electricity telephone water supply shall be borne by the successful bidder.
The State government shall arrange accommodation and transport to the helicopter operator’s personnel (pilots & crew only) at its cost whenever they are required to stay out of the base station overnight in any place inside Meghalaya, for performing operational tasks of the successful bidder except the cost of meals.
Arrangement of light refreshment, lunch at various locations during routine operation of flights to the State government personnel shall be made but the cost of their same shall be paid by the State government on monthly bill system.
The State government shall provide limited rooms for office stores at the base station helipad. A big hangar which can accommodate two helicopters shall be made available for parking / housing of the helicopter which shall be allowed on share basis with the existing operator already in service. If any extra rooms are required, the State government shall facilitate the same outside the base station which shall be at the operator’s own cost.
As per the tender document, the bidder should have an average annual turnover of Rs 25 crore in aviation business in the last years and net worth of Rs 10 crore or more.
