Love is in the air for many couples this Valentine’s Day

Many young, upwardly mobile couples in Mumbai are opting for chopper rides to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day. The cost: Rs 45,000 for a 30-minute ride aboard a four-seater chopper. Soubhik Mitra tells more...

Mayuresh Vidwans has chosen a place far beyond the reach of the moral police to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

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The stockbroker will spend February 14 several thousand feet above the city, on board a four-seater Robinson-44 helicopter. “I don’t want any hassles when I propose marriage to my girlfriend on Valentine’s Day,” said the excited 28-year-old.

Jaydeep Gosavi (name changed on request) and his wife too will cruise through the clouds in a private chopper. “I want to try something new,” said the 26-year-old creative director with an advertising firm.

Many young, upwardly mobile couples are opting for chopper rides to celebrate love. “There has been a humongous growth in business this year. We already have 14 bookings compared to two last year,” said Ameya Gore, spokesperson, Airnetz Aviation, a city-based private charter company.

Leena Juvekar, manager (operations) with Summit Aviation, another charter firm, said the firm has made special arrangements for such high fliers.

The cost: Rs 45,000 for a 30-minute ride aboard a four-seater chopper. Couples can opt for two routes. From Juhu aerodrome, you can fly along the Juhu coast to Boisar or travel over the Mahalaxmi racecourse and Colaba to Alibaug and back.

Industry sources said the same tour was available for Rs 35,000 a month ago.

“This leisure segment is small but fast growing so some operators have hiked rates,” said an official with private charter firm, requesting anonymity, as he is not authorised to speak to the media.