Mon Nov 18 15:27:18 UTC 2024: ## Kerala’s Heli-Tourism Hopes Grounded Despite Successful Seaplane Test

**Thiruvananthapuram, November 18, 2024** – While a successful seaplane test flight last week reignited hopes for aerial sightseeing in Kerala, the state’s ambitious helicopter tourism initiative, launched a year ago, has yet to take off as planned. Industry experts attribute the slow growth to high costs and a lack of consistent demand.

A helicopter ride from Kochi to Munnar, for example, costs around ₹1.25 lakh, pricing out many potential tourists. Shobin T. Paul, CEO of Halo Airways, noted that while his company had generated ₹20 crore in revenue last year, only ₹25 lakh came from Kerala helicopter operations. He explained that the high operational costs necessitate steady traffic to make leasing helicopters viable, something currently lacking. Most operators rely on occasional bookings rather than dedicated routes.

The sector’s potential, however, remains significant. Industry players believe connecting major cities like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram to Sabarimala with a permanent helipad could be a game-changer, mirroring successful pilgrimage helicopter services in other parts of India. This route, they argue, could attract sufficient private investment without government subsidies. Elsewhere in Kerala, however, government support, either through subsidies or viability gap funding, is crucial for launching regular helicopter or seaplane services. One private operator has reportedly expressed interest in offering seaplane services at ₹12,000-₹15,000 per seat with such government assistance.

Captain Sudheesh George, a seaplane consultant, suggests that only the entry of large aviation companies could bring down prices to a competitive level, making it difficult for smaller players to succeed.

Despite announcing a forthcoming helicopter tourism policy last year to encourage public-private partnerships, the Kerala government has yet to fully realize its vision for a thriving aerial tourism sector.

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