Bangalore, Mar 20: Despite recession and global economic meltdown, private helicopter companies here are reaping it rich since there is a great demand for their services by various political parties for poll campaigning.

Operators of chartered air services have rented out more choppers this time since the hiring politicians and political parties wish to have their prime attraction of orators and candidates reach out to the maximum number of voters in the shortest span of time.

There has been a huge increase in the demand for helicopters as compared to the 2004 general elections, as commercial aspects are no more a taxing factor for the political parties with planned election campaigns.

Politicians and candidates concentration is on the programmes and what is to be done at the end of their flight. They are not worried about the flight. It's only a means of transportation for them, said M K Chandrasekhar, Director, Jupiter Aviation, Bangalore.

Reportedly, fleet of helicopters operated by various companies had been booked by the political parties, two months prior to the announcement of the poll dates.

Deccan Aviation, an air service provider from Bangalore, has a fleet of 12 choppers and five executive aircrafts, and all of them have been rented out.

However, more than earning handsome amount from the chartered flights, the operators are equally concerned about the safety and security of their flying machines.

Non-scheduled continuous flying takes a heavy toll on the pilots and also the aircraft.

One has to understand that flying for elections is very demanding both on the machines and on the pilot. A lot of coordination is required from the pilot's point of view because he would have to fly long hours. He would have to navigate successfully, said Jayant Poovaiah, Executive Director, Deccan Aviation.

Of course, campaigning with chartered flights is not cheap. A chopper ride can cost a party to the tune of rupees 80,000 for one hour. By Jaipal Sharma