Helicopter service for state flags off by CM Neiphiu Rio

Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio flagged off the helicopter service for the state at the Dimapur airport on July 12, signing a four-year contract with the aviation company to provide helicopter services in the state.

An aviation company under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has signed an MoU with the Nagaland government to provide helicopter services from June 26, 2023 to June 26, 2027.
The company has been operating in Nagaland since 2010 with one helicopter on a two-year contract basis. However, two helicopters have been operated since 2010 with increased demand.
In his brief address at the flag-off ceremony, Rio stressed the need for two helicopters. He said that one of the helicopters should regularly meet the needs of people, especially the sick and elderly.
Stating that helicopter travel is very cheap, he urged the airline to provide good services and regular distribution of schedules.
“We need helicopter service during VVIP visits and also for VIP or official visits to remote areas,” Rio said.
He stressed that helicopter services should be made available, especially during the Hornbill Festival, to enable tourists to visit the famous and beautiful Dzukou Valley.

With the signing of the four-year contract, Rio was hopeful that Thumby Aviation Pvt Ltd would provide better services to the people of the state.
Nagaland State Transport GM Shikaho P Yepthomi said that the helicopter service was started in the state in 1988 but it was stopped due to an unfortunate accident in February 1989.
Helicopter services were restarted in Nagaland in 2007 on Rio’s personal initiative, Yephthomi said, adding, “Due to heavy demand, the flight hours have now been increased from 480 hours to 600 hours annually. are given”.
Captain KNG Nair, CMD of the aviation company, said that the company will operate 2 Bell 412 helicopters while another A109 helicopter will remain on standby.

Nair said the helicopter can seat 13 passengers plus two pilots while the cargo compartment can carry about 400 pounds of cargo.