Bird’s eye view: Explore Karachi from the top

City to have its first helicopter ride for tourists.

KARACHI: For someone who has not lived in Karachi, sightseeing can be a daunting experience. Let alone the uncertain law and order situation and the risk you run into when going exploring in certain 'no-go' areas, simply the thought of travelling from one end of the city to the other can cause a headache due to the traffic congestion and road blocks that have crept up due to 'security' reasons.

But you need not worry anymore. Princely Jets is now offering a wholesome experience of Karachi without the worry of getting across the ruthless city traffic or stepping into 'unsafe' territory. "The city is unsafe on the ground, not in the skies," chaffed Ghouse Akbar, the CEO of the private charter jets company at the launch of the service on Tuesday. Akbar explained that the idea of a helicopter tour over Karachi had evolved when Pakistani expats had contacted him, expressing the wish to take their children sightseeing in Karachi. But they were scared because of the law and order situation. "So I gave them a solution," he said happily. "Take a heli-tour."



The helicopters being used by the service are the state-of-the-art Eurocopter EC 130 B4, a sleek machine that allows the passengers the perfect view courtesy of its glass frame. If you have fear of flying or are nervous about sitting in a helicopter, you may rest assured that the pilots are all well-trained and former military servicemen, with plenty of flying hours on their portfolio.

The service offers a 20-minute aerial tour of the city for Rs25,000 per person or you can book the whole aircraft that has a capacity of five passengers for Rs115,000 for 20 minutes. Though one may feel the prices are on the steeper side, Akbar reasoned that such services in other major cities such as Dubai and London charged much higher while the operational costs were approximately the same.

The service is based at the Karachi Airport Terminal 1 from where the helicopters leave and hover at a height of around 1,000 feet above the ground, flying above the famous landmarks and streets of Karachi to give a bird's eye view of the bustling cosmopolitan.

For now, the service is only being offered in Karachi but Akbar hopes to expand it soon to the northern areas. He explained that travelling by helicopter will save considerable time as a single hour of flying was equivalent to six hours of driving in Sindh. "Imagine how much time you could save if you wanted to travel to Ranikot from Karachi," he said. Travelling by air in the northern areas will save even more time as a single hour of flying was equivalent to 11 hours of driving in the region.

Princely Jets is offering an aerial tour of Karachi with its ‘Helicopter Tour’ service. You can enjoy a 20-minute tour for Rs25,000 per person. PHOTOS: SHAHZEB AHMED/EXPRESS

Akbar's plans for the choppers are, however, not limited to the tour service. He wants to improve municipal and emergency services through the technology - something that the other stakeholders may want to look into, he hoped. "We have a fully equipped air-ambulance with a stretcher to transport patients in cases of emergency," he revealed. Apart from this, Akbar revealed he was in consultation with insurance companies regarding the uses of helicopters to put out big fires. "Quicker response can save lives and property," he said.

For now, however, the tour service guarantees you an exhilarating experience to get to know the city from a higher perspective. One trip on this sleek machine and you will take back with you a lifetime of memories as well as a keener appreciation for Karachi.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2014.