The AP government has hired two new helicopters to increase the security of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. The new helicopters are twin-engine-powered and technically updated.
In these two, one will be stationed at Vijayawada and the other will be parked at Visakhapatnam. These helicopters are being hired to meet the flying commitments of the CM and other VVIPs.
According to the AP govt, the intelligence DGP stated in his letter dated September 15, 2022, “The CM is in the Z+ security category and is facing a specific threat from left-wing extremist, terrorist, and fundamentalist elements, as well as a general threat from organized criminal gangs and anti-social elements. So, we felt that his security arrangements should be handled sensitively.”
Considering the increase in the usage of aircraft for various tour programs of the CM, helicopters would be safe and easy to cover long distances. So, suggestions have been made to replace the current aircraft with a new or alternative aircraft for better airworthiness.
According to this, AP Aviation Corporation Limited proposed to procure two twin-engine helicopters less than two years old. Subsequently, the govt approved the proposal of the APACL to procure these helicopters on a rental basis.
Accordingly, in August last year, an e-tender notification was issued to invite technical and financial bids. Global Vectra Helicopters, Thumby Aviation Pvt. Ltd., and Rajas Aerosports and Adventures Pvt. Ltd. had placed their bids for this deal.
However, the govt approved the Global Vectra Helicopters bid, which quoted Rs 1.91 crore per month as charges excluding ground handling charges, accommodation charges, and logistics charges of pilots; fuel transportation charges; crew medicals; and ATC charges.