Heli Charter Pilots Plan to Criscross Nation

As the world catches on that low-fare airlines with point-to-point routes can be made profitable, and as the market for aircraft is definitely on the buyers' side, a group of former military pilots, now running a helicopter charter, are planning to launch a trans-India no-frills air service, according to several news sources in the area of Bangalore, home base of the parent.

Deccan Aviation Pvt Ltd., it is said, is just about to pop for half a dozen small airliners, possibly ATRs or Bombardiers. Deccan's founder, former Indian Army Aviator, a 51-year-old Captain, G.R. Gopinath, put up his own money in 1995, together with that of a fellow Indian and a Japanese investor, and began hiring former VIP-fliers from the armed services, as they retired.

The heli-charter company now flies eleven choppers and a PC-12, transporting oil executives, medevac flights, and VIPs; Mr Gopinath thinks the time is right to build a small airline.

Rather than go head-to-head against established competitors on established routes, Gopinath thinks there's a market in underserved (and un-served) states, and plans to start his airline before Summer's end in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

He told one reporter, "Businesses are not going there because there is no reliable and continuous air support. I think time has come when somebody has to take this initiative."

He has a plan: no extras, at all: no food, no drink service. Fares should come in just above the price of a train ticket. "All the frills will be kept to the minimum. Fly more hours and turn around fast and depend on the Internet for bookings," he plans.

He knows a bit about startups. Deccan made money in its first year, and now has 100 employees, including his 25 pilots.

FMI: www.deccanair.com