Punjab Govt likely to lease fixed-wing aircraft

Chandigarh, October 19: The Punjab government is planning to lease a Dassault Falcon 2000 fixed-wing aircraft for one year for VIP use. Currently, the state hires fixed-wing aircraft on an as-needed basis, which it deems to be an expensive option.

The Aam Aadmi Party government has also floated a tender for this purpose.

The state also has its own five-seater, twin-engine Bell 429 helicopter for VIPs, which was purchased in 2012 for around Rs 38 crore. As per the expert estimates, hiring a fixed-wing aircraft on an as-needed basis costs somewhere between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per hour, excluding charges (such as 18% GST) to the state exchequer. Because the aircraft of the air charter service provider is based in Delhi or Mumbai, the state needs to pay an extra fee to arrange the aircraft.

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Meanwhile, the monthly maintenance fee for the leased aircraft would be lakhs. The Punjab government would also bear the expense of the pilot. When compared to a helicopter, a fixed-wing plane is both faster and safer. According to officials, the aircraft will be able to accommodate up to a minimum of eight to ten passengers and would be based at Chandigarh International Airport.

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-PTC News (Report by Ravinder Meet)