The Reasons for the Rising Demand

The Lok Sabha elections, which are scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19, are the largest democratic exercise in the world, with over 900 million eligible voters and over 8,000 candidates. The elections are also highly competitive and complex, as they involve multiple parties, alliances, regions, and issues.

To gain an edge over their rivals, and to reach out to the maximum number of voters, political parties and candidates are opting for private jets and helicopters, which offer speed, convenience, and flexibility. Private jets and helicopters can fly to remote and inaccessible areas, where commercial flights or road transport are not available or feasible. They can also save time and energy, as they can avoid traffic jams, security checks, and delays. They can also allow the parties and candidates to customize their schedules, routes, and stops, according to their campaign strategies and plans.

The Services and Packages Offered by the Aviation Industry

The aviation industry is prepared to handle the increased demand for private jets and helicopters, and is offering various services and packages to suit the requirements and budgets of the clients. The industry has a fleet of over 200 private jets and over 300 helicopters, which can be hired on a per-hour, per-day, or per-month basis. The industry also provides pilots, crew, ground staff, maintenance, and security services, as well as catering, branding, and entertainment options.

The industry has also come up with special packages and discounts for the election season, such as:

Election Express: A package that offers a fixed number of hours of flying time, with flexible destinations and dates, for a lump sum amount. The package is ideal for clients who want to cover multiple constituencies and states in a limited time.
Election Charter: A package that offers a dedicated private jet or helicopter for the entire duration of the elections, with unlimited flying hours and destinations, for a fixed monthly rate. The package is ideal for clients who want to have exclusive and uninterrupted access to their aircraft, and who want to plan their campaign in advance.
Election Combo: A package that offers a combination of private jets and helicopters, for a discounted rate. The package is ideal for clients who want to use both types of aircraft, depending on the distance and terrain of their destinations.

The Benefits and Challenges for the Aviation Industry

The election season is a lucrative and busy time for the aviation industry, as it generates a lot of revenue and activity. The industry estimates that the demand for private jets and helicopters will increase by 30 to 40 per cent during the elections, compared to the non-election period. The industry also expects that the average flying hours per day will increase by 50 to 60 per cent, and that the average occupancy rate will increase by 70 to 80 per cent. The industry also hopes that the elections will create more awareness and interest in the private aviation sector, and that it will attract more clients in the future.

However, the election season also poses some challenges and risks for the aviation industry, such as:

Availability and Cost: The industry faces a shortage of aircraft, pilots, and slots, as the demand exceeds the supply. The industry also faces a rise in the cost of fuel, maintenance, and parking, as the prices are determined by the market forces. The industry has to balance the demand and supply, and the cost and quality, of its services, and to ensure that it does not compromise on the safety and satisfaction of its clients.
Regulation and Compliance: The industry has to comply with the rules and regulations of the civil aviation authorities, the election commission, and the security agencies, which are strict and stringent during the election period. The industry has to obtain the necessary permissions, clearances, and approvals, for its operations, and to ensure that it does not violate any norms or guidelines. The industry also has to deal with the uncertainty and volatility of the political scenario, and to be prepared for any contingencies or emergencies.

Conclusion

The demand for private jets and helicopters is expected to rise up to 40 per cent during the Lok Sabha elections, as political parties and candidates seek to cover more ground and reach more voters in a short span of time. The aviation industry is gearing up to meet the surge in demand, and is offering various packages and services to cater to the needs and preferences of the clients. The industry also faces some challenges and risks, such as availability and cost, regulation and compliance, and political uncertainty and volatility. The industry hopes that the elections will be a successful and profitable venture for it, and that it will also create more opportunities and growth for the private aviation sector in the future.