Prior to the biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, the Gujarat government plans to introduce a helicopter joyride service in Ahmedabad.
In addition, the government intends to restart seaplane service between Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront and Kevadia’s Statute of Unity, as well as launch its own air ambulance service.
According to sources, permissions to run the aforementioned services have already been obtained from the Airports Authority of India and other relevant central bodies. These services will be launched in time for the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which will take place in January 2022.
The Gujarat government purchased a Bombardier Challenger 650 aircraft in 2019. Prior to the purchase of this aircraft, dignitaries had been travelling in the Beechcraft Super King for the previous two decades.
The state government is now planning to convert a Beechcraft Super King plane into an air ambulance. All necessary permissions had been obtained.
On weekends, people will be able to take a joyride in a helicopter. On weekdays, the same helicopters will be rented out to people who want to visit religious sites. “There are many families who would like to visit religious sites such as Ambaji or Dwarka or other places where there is currently no air connectivity.” Such individuals will be able to hire these helicopters this week, according to officials
The government launched a seaplane service from Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati riverfront to the Statue of Unity in Narmada district’s Kevadiya in October last year, and vice versa.
The service, which is operated by a private aviation company, has been suspended several times since its initial launch. The operation of the seaplane service has now been transferred to the state civil aviation department.