This Valentine's Day, sky is the limit for lovers

As his friends exchange chocolates and soft toys with their sweethearts this Valentine’s Day, Rahul Singh will fly high over the Mumbai skyline with his girlfriend.

The 25-year-old software professional has booked a helicopter ride as a “fun and memorable gift for the special woman” in his life.

“A joyride in a chopper used to be a luxury not too long ago. But it has become affordable in the last few years,” says Singh, who has shelled out Rs11,000 for a 20-minute ride from the Juhu aerodome over the northern part of the city.

And if private chopper operators in Mumbai are to be believed, Singh is not alone in his desire to go soaring into the skies on February 14. “We operate four helicopters and are booked to capacity with more than 100 passengers. But the demand is still not abating,” said Nikesh Goswami, director of Wings and Rotors, a company that charters private helicopters and aircrafts.

Goswami has tied up with United Helicharters for the Valentine’s Day sorties. Together they have decided to meet the demand-supply gap by providing services on the weekend after Valentine’s Day. 

Other operators claim that there has been a jump in the number of couples wanting to go on joyrides. “When we commenced the service in 2009, we had only four couples signing up. This year we have 26 couples so far and the number is expected to go up,” said Ameya Gore, spokesperson for Airnetz Aviation, another private operator.  Industry insiders are optimistic that the popularity of these rides will increase in the coming years. “With income of Mumbaikars rising, people are opening up to the idea of combining luxury with romance,” said Avinash Sahay, head of sales and marketing at Aamby Valley City, which is offering a joyride and accommodation package for couples on Valentine’s Day.